I Am Redeemed By The Blood Of The Lamb

God Has Commissioned Me To My Next Assignment ~ So I Am Reporting For Duty!

2010-08-01T08:42:00.004-04:00

I am tremendously excited to share that God finally revealed where He would have me to work next. Six days ago I was interviewed to teach fourth grade at a Christian school and soon thereafter I was hired for the job. For the past few days I have been designing learning centers and bulletin boards, typing up lesson plans, and setting up the classroom. I had forgotten how much work there was involved in teaching school. I feel so blessed to be given this wonderful opportunity and frankly it has been more fun than work!

Last week I reflected upon my experience of working in a worldly environment and what a glorious experience it was. The job I am entering is such a stark difference to what I have left behind. And I needed to see that stark difference ~ so that it will be a constant reminder of what life is like with Christ and what life is like without Him. I, me, Cathryn Glass, needs that reminder so that I won't forget. I need to remember that God sent His Son to the cross FOR ALL PEOPLE. That God wants me to have a heart for the down and out. That not everyone has the means to send their children to a Christian school ~ and that beyond those school doors is another world that needs my compassion and love and concern for their souls ~ for their lives ~ for their welfare.

I won't forget God. I am eternally grateful for my experience ~ of walking the trenches with the lost and dying ~ of literally rubbing shoulders with them. I won't forget........ I promise. Oh mighty God may I be used in whatever capacity you place me in. For there are lost and dying souls - even in a Christian school.

"Where ya been livin'~ under a rock?"

2010-07-25T00:20:00.005-04:00

One of my colleagues at my summer job asked me this very question just a few nights ago? And I pretty much had to answer "Yes, I guess I have been." I'm nearly 52 years old and have spent the past 30 years raising and home schooling my daughters, going to church, spending lots of time at home, and directing a local home school group. It wasn't until I began working this job about two months ago that I quickly came to realize that I truly had been living under a rock.

I cannot say that I have regrets in protecting my daughters and guiding them along in life until they were ready to step out on their own. I wouldn't trade the opportunity to homeschool and be a stay-at-home mom for anything in the world. It has been the most rewarding of experiences. And while I didn't make a paycheck with this job ~the dividends are out of this world. The Lord has blessed me with three daughters that love the Lord and are serving Him. Yep, I guess you could say I was living snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug under that rock. But you know I'm finding out that I was a bit too snug under that rug, or rock, or whatever it was I was hiding under. The past nine weeks I have worked in a secular job and I have come face-to-face with a folk that have certainly not been living under any rocks. I have most definitely had a crash course in the life of this world and what I have seen and heard has broken my heart. So my regret is that I never stopped along the way to pay attention ~ to truly pay attention to these folk who are living each day for the moment with drugs and alcohol and sex, for a multitude of folk who don't know Christ as their Savior, for some who don't even believe there is a God.

I have never in my life worked with such a large concentration of people who are not Christians. Truly the fields are white unto the harvest (Luke 10:2). And this is a perfect example of the magnitude of the mission field right here in America ~ right here in Kentucky ~ right here in my hometown. Many nights it was truly overwhelming as I would interact with individuals who had no hope of an eternity with Christ - but rather their language was peppered with every curse word imaginable; and their accounts of their lives depicted alcohol and drug use and repeated sexual activity outside of marriage.

At first I was so taken aback I was actually disgusted. But God began to burden my heart that He had put me in this job for this very reason. I began to really pray for these people around me and asked God to give me an opportunity to share His son. Might I say that this is one of the best summers of my whole life. I had the opportunity to pray with one lady, to witness to others, and I even had the chance to defend my all mighty God and Savior to an agnostic. By the end of the evening she promised that she would accept my challenge ~ "to pray and ask God to reveal himself to her as she was reading the Bible."

How in this world could a job ridden with so much heathen conversation and behavior be such a blessing to my heart and soul? My God cares enough about me that He allowed me this blessed opportunity to see folk who are in the trenches of life ~ and I will be forever grateful. What a heart he has given me for the drug dealer and the drug taker, for those abandoned by their families, for those who have lived on the street at times, and for those who believe in and practice soothsaying (the Bible's phrase for fortune telling).

I can no longer live under a rock. God has opened my eyes to just how bad this world really is ~ for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required (Luke 12:48b). Frankly I don't know what God wants me to do now with all of this valuable information but He wants me to do something. The job concluded this evening and I drove home in sobs as I recounted name after name to our Lord - begging Him to bring an increase to the seeds that were planted. Because I love these men and women and I want them to have the Christ in their heart that I have in mine. And maybe just maybe God's reason was simply that I get out from under the rock and have my eyes open to things going on around me. Because there is a bruised and abused and hurting people that desperately need the Lord. Thank you Lord Jesus for one of the greatest opportunities of my life.

My Friend Ann ~ Once Was Lost But Now She's Found

2010-06-28T00:17:00.004-04:00

Our life is a tale that is told (Psalm 90:9). Nothing is an accident. Nothing is a coincidence. Almighty God is in complete control. He knows each chapter, each paragraph, each word, each letter of our lives. As we are journeying through our book of life it is often difficult to understand why certain things happen. I often have to remind myself that God is the author of my life, He wrote the book, He knows the ending, and He is going to see me through.

About three months ago it was needful for me to step away from my dream job. I believe with all my heart that God led me to that position. It was a ministry job in a Christian school and it was a pure joy to go everyday and serve the Lord. It was not my decision to step away - but rather it was God's. And while I was completely accepting of it, it was difficult to let go and say goodbye. Many folk in this life are not blessed enough to work at a job that they absolutely love. For me ~ this was that job. I can look back on those few months and see God's hand in my life ~ I can look upon those things accomplished for that institution and though it was only for a season ~ God's will was clearly executed.

Over a month ago, I was contacted to do some summer work for a telemarketing company - not exactly my cup of tea. I'm gonna be honest with you - I did not want to do it. I wanted my old job back. Even with that attitude, I felt a great peace in proceeding forward with this summer job. Last night I had the blessing to lead a fellow worker to the cross. I had been praying and hoping for an opportunity since the day I had met her. She was such a troubled person. It was hard to fathom that so many things could have gone wrong in just one person's life. Oh, how I wanted to tell her the GOOD NEWS but the door was never quite open - it simply wasn't God's timing.

And, then, just when I least expected it God opened the door as if to say, "It is time." The phone system had malfunctioned and no one was taking calls; the first crew of workers had left for the night. I turned to chat with this dear individual and there she sat in tears. God had softened her heart and I had the highest of honors to tell her about my Lord.

If I had to leave my dream job in order to be a part of this miracle ~ I would do it all over again without hesitation. This job will soon be finished and I know I will look back on it as one of the greatest summers ever. Why? Because my friend once was lost and now is found. And someday I will spend an eternity with her. I give all praise to God for this glorious opportunity. Yep, it's been a good summer.

The Treasures of Darkness

2010-06-23T00:07:00.003-04:00

In 2004, a van holding five individuals from Crown Bible College was hit head on. "With not even a moment's notice, not even a split second to adjust, a tractor-trailer truck crashed at a high speed into the front of the van on the driver's side. Workers on the scene said it was like a plane crash. The impact was so great, it drove the van back. It tore the trailer loose. The cab came off the truck. The engine came out of the truck and went through the van. At the moment of impact, every person in that van was killed." The gas tanks in the tractor-trailer exploded. It was reported that the impact of the explosion threw the driver down the road like a rocket.

The pastor of Temple Baptist Church took on the grueling job of calling each family to let them know that their child had entered eternity earlier that day. Pastor Sexton was deeply warmed by God's grace through it all. The mothers and fathers of these college students kept thanking the pastor for all that the college and church had done for their children. One parent said, "We sent you everything we had. They were good before they got there, but they were better because they had been there."

At the scene of the accident, investigators worked for six hours trying to understand what had happened. The highway was scorched and burned and the van was reduced to nothing more than a small piece of metal. Reporters and firemen were quoted as saying "they had never seen anything like this in all their years." One emergency worker said, "There is nothing left. The van is just a piece of metal. Everything is gone ~ except for one thing that I cannot explain. There is a music CD that did not burn." Pastor Sexton shared that he didn't know why it didn't burn. It was plastic but it didn't burn. And the title of the CD...... God Makes No Mistakes.

Now I don't know about you but that is a very profound statement by our Lord and God. In a moment, Christ took five wonderful Christians home to be with Him. And on that burned and scorched roadway was found nothing more than a plastic CD bearing God's special message to those who would grieve such a loss ~ that He makes no mistakes.

When troubles and hardships come our way, when we suddenly get bad news, when the raging waters of life threaten to pull us under ~ we feel we can't go on. We can't understand what is happening. Friend, we will never understand all of God's ways, but we can be rest assured that He does not make any mistakes.

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements, and His ways past finding out."

Excerpts taken from The Treasures of Darkness

Dad's Brownies - It's Not What You Think!

2010-06-10T14:37:00.005-04:00

As I have been revisiting blogs I haven't been to in months, I came across a story entitled "Dad's Brownies." I had wanted to direct you to her blog so you could take a look at it - the story is so profound - but I am having trouble finding it. So I located the same story at another website and have provided that link here (Dad's Brownies). It is well worth the read. I read it to my girls and now when we talk about certain movies or TV shows I just remind them of the brownie story.

Have You Ever Spoken Against God And Made Him Angry?

2010-06-07T14:13:00.004-04:00

I have been saved for more than half my life and I don't know that I have ever thought too much about whether I had made God mad or not. I know I have saddened him with poor decisions and choices, but I just don't know that I have pondered on Him being "angry" with ~ much less feeling as if I have spoken against Him at any time. I certainly haven't equated myself with the Children of Israel who couldn't seem to be pleased no matter what God did for them.

As I was reading Psalm 78 this morning, I was reminded of some of those great and mighty things that God had done for the Children of Israel. God showed that mightiness ~ from the many plagues He "bestowed" upon Pharoah and his people ~ to the great miracles He performed again and again to provide and protect His chosen as they wandered aimlessly. Verses 19-22 say Yea, they spoke against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? Behold he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed, can he give bread also? Can he provide flesh for his people? Therefore the Lord heard this and was wroth; so a fire was kindled against Jacob and anger also came up against Israel. Because they believed not in God and trusted not in his salvation.

At that moment the Holy Spirit began to work upon my heart. With shame I remembered many wonderful blessings that had occurred over the past few months and still unbelief would say "But can God do this over here? Can God do that over there? I know He has moved in such a mighty way but is He gonna keep doing it? Is He going to take care of me and my girls? Is He going to provide for our needs? Indeed, with shame, I began to ponder how all of this doubting had made my Lord and Savior feel.

When we doubt God ~ for any reason ~ it is wrong and it is sin. I supposed that just made Him sad when I did that. And I do think that it saddens Him but the fact that He becomes angry with our unbelief just makes it all the more profound that we must avoid doubting. We must trust that He has His children's best interests at heart ~ no matter how black the storm clouds are ~ He is watching each step, each move, each moment and that is greater and more wonderful than anything any human can do for us here on earth. He has our back. I don't know about you but I don't want to hurt Him simply because the circumstances of life can ~ at times ~ loom pretty big before my eyes. For greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.

Oh Mighty and Gracious Heavenly Father,

Forgive me for my unbelief. Forgive me for complaining and doubting that you do have my best interest at heart. Forgive me for not believing that You've had my back the whole time.

Avoid Footholds In Your Life

2010-06-02T13:23:00.003-04:00

I love God's Word so much. I am thankful that He left His Words for us so that we could read them again and again and again. I have to admit that some books of the Bible are easier for me to read and understand than others. I Peter is one of my many favorites. Peter was writing to various churches in Asian Minor where Gentiles were experiencing religious persecution. In chapter 2 he writes about our duty in living a holy life.

Often I reiterate to my daughters the importance of living a holy life. We have to be so very careful about what we allow to enter our eyes and our ears as well as what we allow to leave our lips. Verse 11 of this chapter says "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." I've tried to pound this into my daughter's heads that if they allow even the slightest foothold satan will get into their lives and 'war against their soul.'

A foothold can come by watching something ungodly on TV or the internet. The TV has very few wholesome shows ~ unless you are watching old reruns of something. Sexual sin is woven through out many TV offerings ~ even the commercials. As for the internet, I've come to appreciate its abilities, and my "pat answer" to a question that I don't know the answer to is most often "google it". BUT it has tremendous capabilities of being a very dangerous device. I've seen many a man fall prey to the internet ~ more folk than I even care to think about.

Footholds can also come in what we listen to. Sometimes I hear lyrics to some songs I used to listen to back in the 70's and 80's and I'm embarrassed that I had even listened to them. And yet that doesn't compare to much of the music on the market today. Lyrics are laden with sex, filthy wording, and 'fleshly lusts.' I constantly monitor what my daughters are listening to ~ to make sure that they are not allowing a foothold for satan to get in.

Have you ever watched or listened to something that you knew you shouldn't have? I know I certainly have. At one point in my life I was addicted to soap operas for over 12 years. There are things in my mind that will be there for the rest of my life ~ things which warred against my soul when I was viewing them. I'm not proud of it ~ and I have paid a price for that sin ~ but it serves as a constant reminder to me to protect my "eye gates" and strive daily to only let those things enter that glorify God.

Folk, God calls us to be holy BECAUSE He is holy. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, A PECULIAR PEOPLE (I Peter 2:9a). We are simply strangers and pilgrims in this land ~ awaiting our Lord's return. Let's strive every moment to be holy ~ not just for our own sakes ~ but for others who are watching us live our lives. You maybe the only Christian someone knows.

We Stand Tallest and Strongest On Our Knees

2010-05-30T13:26:00.004-04:00

In the past ten months my life has changed drastically. I've gone from teaching in the homeschool class room full time to teaching in the Christian school classroom part time. I've returned to my hometown after 31 years ~ leaving a multitude of friendship and support behind. Jobs are slim in this part of the state ~ which contrasts greatly with the area I moved from. Life is certainly simpler here ~ any type of extensive shopping or entertainment is 100 miles away in any direction. :) Yet I suppose the greatest change of all is that I am now a single parent. It isn't a choice that I made but I am coming to accept it ~ knowing that God, my Father, will watch over me and the girls and that in the end all things will work out according to His perfect will.

I stepped away from blogging simply because life became so much more hectic ~ there just didn't seem to be the time to sit down and write what God was laying on my heartS~ much to my shame. School is out and I now have more time to devote to "I Am Redeemed By The Blood of the Lamb." My goal is to keep writing ~ even after school resumes in the fall ~ at least that is my goal. :)

This morning I was under the weather and unable to attend church so I decided to listen to one of my all-time favorite preachers on the internet ~ Dr. Charles Stanley. I am so glad that I didn't go to church today! The blessing that I received through Dr. Stanley is exactly what God wanted me to hear. The sermon was entitled "Standing Tall and Strong Through Prayer." Dr. Stanley said, "When we are willing to seek Him earnestly and bow in reference we can experience God's power for daily living. We stand tallest and strongest on our knees."

I'm a bit arthritic in both knees but I got a couple of pillows and put them on the floor beside my bed and gingerly dropped down to pray to my God. I know that God hears our prayers if we can't get on our knees but this morning it seemed important that I place body into the most humbling position that I could as I cried out to Him. I recommitted my life to Christ ~ surrendering my will ~ and asking Him to show me His perfect will. I appreciate your alls prayers as I am treading through a land of all new territory ~ after being married for 28 years and staying home to keep our children and the home. But I am believing that He is going to show me exactly what He wants me to do. It's good be back blogging again!

It's Been Fifteen Weeks ~ And That's Just Too Long

2009-09-07T21:25:00.004-04:00

Fifteen weeks ago I wrote to share how God made provision for the girls and I to live back in my hometown. It was no easy task to pack the items from our three story house into a one story; to pack three bathrooms into one; to pack a two car garage into one; and to move into a kitchen with half the cabinet space and no pantry. It was possible only after donating several items to a good cause, giving away what we could, and storing things at my sister’s home. I learned two very important lessons ~ 1) to my shame I had way too much stuff, and 2) my basement was being used for nothing more than a glorified storage unit ~ for stuff I didn’t even use or that I forgot that I had.

Granted, it has not taken me fifteen weeks to pack up our home, move to the rental property, and unpack it all. I cannot deny that there has been a great deal of adjustment to leaving my home, my friends, my family, and my community. There have been tearful days and nights as I have learned to trust again that God is working everything out for my good. And I reckon it just took me a spell to be ready to finally come back and reunite with you all. Thanks to all who prayed even though I was out of touch for a while. I appreciate it so much.

The small home that I live in now is a diamond-in-the-rough complete with an occasional mouse. Now that has been something to adjust to ~ fourlegged friends. We’ve caught a few and our seven cats have been feasting on the rest. They are fat and sassy and hardly eating the cat food. :) The rental house sits on historical property owned by the Mill Springs Battlefield Association here in Kentucky - complete with a real cannon, a small cemetery in the back field, and a huge rambling home over 175 years old that was used as a hospital and military headquarters during the Civil War. God was very gracious in giving us this place to rent. Each window brings a different and unique view that is simply calming and appealing to my spirit and soul.

Tonight we once again watched a momma and baby deer graze on the lawn of the old home. Every day we can watch two beautiful horses across the road galloping through the field ~ which is a reminder of the thoroughbreds near the home we left. Truly God’s hand is here ~ and He knows that I need that moment by moment. His mercies truly are great. His peace permeates this place and were I able to even return to where I came from I do not believe I would. This is a simpler place with a simpler life in most ways.

I’ve missed you all. And I look forward to catching up on your blogs and becoming reacquainted.

Much love, Cathryn

He Gives Us What We Need Just When We Need It

2009-06-06T06:28:00.004-04:00

How many times have you heard someone say that to you ~ God gives us what we need in His timing ~ just when we need it? And it's true you know ~ our Father admonishes us to wait upon Him. That is so hard some times ~ especially if you are needing him to move NOW! But does He ever let us down? No. Every time He pulls through in His own timing and in His own way. And that is what I want to share with you today ~ how my Heavenly Father once again moved so profoundly and definitely that there was no doubt that I knew His will.

Less than one week ago my house sold ~ and it had only been on the market 1 day when we received word that an offer was coming. Within 4 days an acceptable offer was on the table and I have begun the process of saying farewell to the old home place ~ something I had no intentions of doing ~ because I had figured that I would finish out my life here. And that's what I get for "figuring." God doesn't like us "comfortable" and that is exactly what I had become. Very comfortable. It is a home that my husband and I had designed and built together. We had raised our children here. I had home schooled several years here. Many many memories are stored up within these walls. It is the largest home I have ever lived in and yet I do recall many a time thinking that it required entirely too much work to take care of ~ it knocked me out of a church activity or visitation many a time. And while I'm not saying that it is impossible to have a large home and still have time for the Lord ~ I am saying that with the autoimmune disease that I battle it was certainly the case for me. It takes a lot of time and energy to clean a home this size.

Extenuating circumstances have brought me to this place I now find myself in. So while it has been difficult to even think about leaving my home I have also been very nervous about where I would move to. At this time it is needful to consider short-term rental property ~ and those two terms (short-term and rental) don't usually describe too many properties to rent. Folk want at least a one year lease.

So two days ago I set out to check on the rental property in my hometown. The problem is that it is a very small town - and most folk don't rent. I knew that it was not going to be an easy task. At about 4:00 p.m. I decided to hang it up. There was little to choose from and what there was to consider was expensive, required us to live above and beside other families (something I was not used to after living in the country for 13+ years), did not allow pets, and didn't even have a yard to play catch in. The prospects were sobering. And then..... God moved.

My sister had driven a different path than usual to go to town that day and had passed a home that appeared to be empty ~ she said she wasn't even sure why she took that path ~ but we now know it was part of God's plan. This is no ordinary house - it actually sits on the property of the Mill Springs Battlefield Association beside the Brown Lanier Home (which is the home you see pictured above). It's one of those historical Civil War sites that has been preserved. This house sits on its property near by and they rent it out to generate revenue for the association. My sister wasn't even sure if it was empty but I told her I had nothing to lose by looking. Not only was it empty (and it had just become empty less than a week before) ~ no one had rented it yet ~ it was surrounded by countryside where our cats could roam ~ the rent was cheap ~ a garden plot in the back has already been tilled (I surely love to garden and can the vegetables) ~ a location that puts me very close to where my daughter will attend Christian school this fall ~ and there is more than enough yard for my daughter to get out and play her sports. It was and continues to be simply amazing. God gave me what I needed ~ just when I needed it ~ and above and beyond what I expected.

Why do we doubt Him? When we know that He owns the cattle on a thousand hill ~ why do we doubt Him? Thank you Lord for giving me what I needed just when I needed it.

Foggy Days

2009-06-04T06:06:00.003-04:00

As I progress through Patsy Clairmont's Dancing Bones I am reminded that God will not give us more than we can handle at any given time. She uses the analogy of fog and and its heavy barrier ~ how it prevents us from seeing beyond a certain point ~ and how life is like that. We cannot see beyond a certain point. Were we able to do so, I believe it would be more than our very brains could handle. Patsy says, We can rest in the confidence that no matter what fog bank we end up in, God will care for us, in time liberate us from it, and use our tragedies for higher purposes than we could ever imagine - that is a greater plan. A plan of provision, of liberation, of redemption."

I had to laugh within myself when she talked about why we ask "why" about things that happen to us. She reminded her readers that we think if we knew "why" something had happened that it would help to end the struggle. And yet we know that this is not the case. And even if we did know the "why" of something we would still object vehemently. She believes our "whys" are ways of ranting because life isn't the way we want it to be. God does have a divine plan ~ He does hold His own in the palm of His hand. It is called trusting.

I know, for me, that the "fog of fear" can often walk with hardships and trials. Clairmont comments on this and says, "I wonder, if the disciple Peter hadn't peered through the fog of fear, would he have walked around on the water with Jesus, enjoying the waves instead of sinking in his insecurities? Perhaps if Peter's vision had been clear of fear after Christ was arrested, he would have defended Christ instead of denying him. What do you think? What fogs your vision? Insecurities? Fears? List them. Use the list to create a new prayer emphasis in your life." She encourages her readers to look up the word "fear" in a concordance and follow that "ribbon of thought" through the Bible. And then memorize the verses that "dance off the page." Let the Word of God be the greatest comfort to you.

More times than not we are in valleys. Clairmont encourages her readers to look at our lives and appreciate what is good ~ trust God to see us through the bad ~ and be thankful for the foggy distance and that we can't quite see what lies ahead. That is God's mercy and love and kindness at work. Have a blessed day!

The Valley of Bones

2009-06-03T06:58:00.002-04:00

In Ezekiel 37, the account is given how God supernaturally transported Ezekiel to a valley which lay covered in dry bones. I can only imagine what was running through his mind when that happened. Patsy Clairmont writes in her book, Dancing Bones, "The sight before him made it clear this was no picnic." God then asked him (verse 3) if the bones could live and Ezekiel’s response was priceless when he said "O Lord God, thou knowest." Clairmont says "I wish I could grab hold of the truth in that answer for my life so that when trials come, I don’t immediately assume all is gloom and doom. Instead I could be rest assured that God knows what he is doing, even if it looks like a hopeless, lifeless situation to me." Amen Mrs.Clairmont.

How often do we take our eyes off of God and dwell upon the circumstances. I know I'm guilty.

God then says Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye drybones, hear the word of the Lord. Clairmont says, "What I’ve found most helpful in keeping the rhythm of life oozing within me is the same thing Ezekiel used in his valley of bones to rouse such a great army ~ O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!" If you have lost your enthusiasm for life, if you are thirsty within thevalley you walk, if your faith is waivering are you reading God's Word. Clairmont encourages us to"delve into the life-giving, bone-lubricating truths of scripture." Well said Patsy Clairmont ~ well said.

More On Clairmont's Dancing Bones

2009-06-02T21:25:00.002-04:00

‘Life ain’t no picnic!’ How many times have you heard that? Or what about‘no pain no gain?’ And then there is ‘if life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ Patsy Clairmont opens her second chapter of "Dancing Bones"with these old sayings. She says "We’ve all been told that the ‘school of hard knocks’ is part of life, but if you’re like me, crushing blows still catch you off guard, leave you speechless, and at times rob you of your very breath." Clairmont isn’t too fond of any of those sayings. Why? Because they don’t make us feel any better.

She shares that in the valley’s of life "where bees nest and poison ivy spreads" ~ that as long as you brace yourself for those upcoming painful experiences that you can better "safeguard your heart from disillusionment." She also points out that though there are hard times ~ good can be found even among the bees and poison ivy. An analogy she makes is that of fruit. Fruit does not grow in high elevations on mountain peaks but rather it grows in the lower elevations ~ the valleys of life. And she encourages us to remember that we can partake of this luscious, juicy fruit even in the hard times. Hardships don’t have to always be about lemons, or pain, or hard knocks.

Scripture repeatedly tells us to prepare for hardships ~ it is a given that they will be a part of our lives. So don’t miss the view while you are there. Clairmont says to "spread a gingham cloth in a valley of clover and picnic on the Lord’s kind mercies in the midst of heartbreak and disappointment. For in the shade of his presence, we experience Christ’s tender care for our bruised emotions." The view from the valley doesn’t have to be a bad one.

Patsy Clairmont's Dancing Bones

2009-06-01T19:42:00.003-04:00

Have you ever read the book Dancing Bones by Patsy Clairmont? Goodness sakes ~ it is one of her greatest works. She bases her writing on Ezekiel 37: 1-10. (If you move the cursor over the reference, the verses will pop up for you to read). She uses the term "dance" throughout the book to symbolize a happier walk through life despite diversity ~ despite the valleys that we often find ourselves in.

She says "Have you ever read Ezekiel 37? It talks about a whole valley full of folks who’d lost their rhythm. It seems these people had the "dance" knocked out of them until they crumbled into a heap of bones on the valley floor. That’s why I think it’s worth spending a little time looking at the valley in Ezekiel ~ and our own valleys."

At this point Patsy welcomes her readers to ‘valley experience’ ~ the place where we meet Reality ~ the place where we look up to the mountain top where we can hopefully escape all the hardships of the valley. And yet we know it really isn’t like that. Most of our life is spent in a valley of some sort. And so Patsy puts it this way ~ "I’m excited about the valley living and let me tell you why. From the mountain top I can see an eagle soar, but I’ve learned that in the valley I can hear a sparrow sing. On the mountain I see trees like canopies, but in the valley I can sit in their shade and eat of their fruit. On the mountain I see lakes like small mirrors, but in the valley I can touch the reflections and ladle the water to my parched lips. On the summit I see people like walking sticks, but in the valley I can trace a child’s face and dab away tears."

She encourages her readers that we won’t always hear the music in the valley but even during those dark times we can have the "dance" of faith ~ for valleys can be be very rich with life. Stay tuned for chapter two!

Not By My Power or Might

2009-05-28T08:37:00.001-04:00

I know I have been sporadic at best ~ lately ~ in posting. Someday ~ maybe ~ I can tell my story ~ so that others who are walking the same path can look at me and see a survivor BY GOD’S GRACE ~ and know that they can survive too.

Today my house goes on the market. It’s uncanny ~ I never expected this house to go on the market. I just kind of figured that I would retire here ~ spend my dying days here ~ but not so. It isn’t what I want but I’m finding out a lot lately that life isn’t about my wants but rather about what I ~ and others ~ need in order to be more like Him ~ the precious refiner’s fire.

This morning I was reading in Zechariah ~ not the easiest of books to read ~ but I came across a verse that has inspired me in the past. In chapter 4 and verse 6b it says Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts. God inspired Zechariah to write this in reference to Zerubbabel leading the people to "get with it" in rebuilding the temple. So I got to thinking this morning about a whole lot of things ~ how I cannot accomplish them ~ how I cannot walk through them ~ how I feel I cannot even survive them ~ and how it is only going to take place by the spirit of the Lord of Hosts. I can muster up the might and power all day long but in the end I will fail. With God all things truly are possible.

Open My Eyes That I May See

2009-05-18T07:33:00.005-04:00

Have you ever just wanted God to write you a letter, send you a life road map, contact you by phone ~ maybe even send you a text message notifying you specifically "this is what I want you to do ~ this is where I want you to go ~this is how I want you to do it." At times I would think that would be nothing short of grand.

But God doesn't work that way does He? For if He did it would not be necessary to excercise faith in our lives. And our Christian walk ~ our very existence as a Christian would not be based upon what it should be ~ F-A-I-T-H.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). We have faith that God is God ~ that Jesus really is Jesus ~ that the Holy Spirit is truly with us. We have faith that our Lord is going to keep His promises ~ that He is going to walk each step of our journey with us ~ holding our hand and lifting us up ~ that He is going to come back for us someday ~ that He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ~ that there truly is victory in Jesus.

Faith ~ a small word that means so much to us. And, so, today I won't be receiving a literal letter or a road map or a text message from God ~ but I do have faith that He will show me through His Word ~ through His Holy Spirit ~ through the guidance of godly men and women ~ "what to do and where to go and how to get there."

Have you ever heard the old hymn Open My Eyes That I May See? How appropriate for a morning such as this ~

Open my eyes that I may see

Glimpses of truth Thou has for me

Place in my hands the wonderful key

That should unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for Thee

Ready my God, Thy will to see

Open my eyes, illumine me

Spirit Divine.

Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law

Psalm 119:18

My Moma ~ Jo Ann Bryant Morrow

2009-05-10T19:15:00.004-04:00

Happy Mother's Day Moma! There are so many things I am thankful for about you but the greatest thing of all took place long ago ~ though it seems like just yesterday ~ it was over 38 years ago when I was an awkward 12-year-old.

My church in southern Kentucky was having a revival meeting in the spring of 1971. I had been to church my whole life. My dear mother had seen to that. When I was five years old I walked the church aisle to make a profession of faith because my two older sisters had walked the aisle that day. I remember not wanting to feel left out. I wanted to get "dunked" in the baptistry waters. It was not until 7 years later, at a revival meeting, that my mother made her way to me in the choir loft of that little country church and whispered in my ear "If you died tonight, do you know whether you would go to heaven or not?" (Picture insert ~ my precious mother who cared enough to ask the question.)

I immediately began to cry and made my way out of the choir loft and to the altar that night. I got down on my knees and prayed with the preacher asking God to forgive me of my sins and then asking Jesus to be my Savior. It is as if it just happened yesterday. The elation that I felt that night, and the days to come after, can only be described as wanting to "stand on the rooftop and shout to the world I JUST GOT SAVED." The next day I went to school and I remember how different I felt. My closest friend asked me "What is wrong with you?" I turned around in my chair and said "I got saved last night." That would mark the end of our friendship. Jenny was a wild and free spirit. She did not want anything to do with my new found faith. Surely it was already coming to pass what the scriptures professed in II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. I had become a new creature - the old things were passing away. I was not wanting to do those things that were not Christ-like. I was not wanting to hangout with the ungodly crowd that I had once associated with. And my life has never been the same. This is the single most profound decision I have ever made in my lifetime. It continues to be the happiest day of my life. Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ? If you died tonight, do you know if you would go to heaven or not?

Thank you, Moma, for this great legacy. And Happy Mother's Day to the best mother ever.

Farewell Georgetown Home School Group

2009-05-06T22:37:00.002-04:00

Eleven years ago God called me to step out in faith to begin a home school group in the area where I live. I was, to say the least, terrified. I was currently directing a very successful group in a neighboring county - and frankly I didn’t want to "step out in faith." ~ I was satisfied where I was. But the Lord had really been working on my heart all winter long. I had taken an exodus from an addiction of soap operas that had lasted for 12 long years and my heart was open to do whatever God wanted me to do with my life. Eleven springs ago that was the greatest experience of my life ~ second only to the day I was saved at twelve years of age.

At that time there had been yet another school shooting and God impressed on my heart to begin a program that would help families to home school more easily with the support they would need to be successful. And, so, The Georgetown Home School Group was born.

Monday night I bade farewell to that "step of faith." God had impressed on my heart that it was time ~ time to hand the baton to the next runner. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But I’m thankful for eleven glorious years of my life ~ thankful that God chose me to direct such an awesome group for so long ~ thankful that the God who called me eleven years ago will call me again to serve Him in some capacity.

I close with a walk down memory lane ~ come along and see some of the greatest home school families of all time.

2009-05-06T22:32:00.001-04:00

Whatever It Takes

2009-04-27T01:49:00.004-04:00

Have you ever prayed ~ Whatever it takes Lord, just bring that person to you. To my shame, I’ve never had the courage or even the faith to pray that..... before now. About 2 months ago ~ in desperation ~ I begged God to bring one of my family members back to Him ~ whatever it takes. That was so tremendously hard to do. I had fought doing that for so many years. If you are a momma ~ you can likely imagine my greatest fear in praying such a prayer ~ yes, that’s right ~ the loss of a child. And yet it wasn’t until about two months ago when I had reached the end of my rope that I finally begged God to do whatever it would take to bring this person to Him.

It wasn’t until a month later that I realized that two other people had prayed the very same prayer about this person. I can thankfully report that all of my children are very alive and well at the moment. It appears that God was not going to choose my greatest fear to accomplish His will after all ~ at least it appears that way. And yet I find myself walking in the darkest of valleys. I actually thought it was pretty dark before but I am here to testify that things can get darker than we had even fathomed. I know my Lord is with me - walking each step that I walk. Oh how I have claimed Psalm 23 in its entirety -Lo I walk through the valley of the shadow of death ~ I will fear no evil~ thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Balm for my soul indeed.

This "whatever it takes" prayer is bringing many changes to my life and the lives of my family. I will after 24 years re-enter the work force ~thank you Lord that I have my teaching certificate to fall back on; I will discontinue home schooling ~ after fifteen blessed years ~ and that is such a heart break because only three more years were needed before graduating our youngest daughter; I will relocate to my hometown that I have not lived in for over 30 years.

I must confess that I would never ~in a million years ~ have suspected that these changes would be connected to my prayer of "whatever it takes." It is so many changes to handle simultaneously and they aren’t changes I would have chosen but I must keep my eyes on the Lord and off the circumstances and know that God will work all of this to good. He will be victorious. He is doing whatever it takes to bring this person back to Him. I’ve had to remind myself of that a whole lot lately. So dear friends, keep me and my family in your prayers. God can do the impossible ~ but hearts have to be open and willing. May this heart I speak of get to the point of being open and willing.

It's A Beautiful Morning

2009-04-12T07:35:00.000-04:00

He Arose!

Hallelujah Christ Arose!

~Happy Easter~

The Tree, The Cross, The Savior

2009-04-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am writing on Thursdays for the KJV Blog. You may go there for today's devotional. Happy Easter to all. He is risen!!

A Lesson in Bambi ~ Fly When You Are Supposed To

2009-04-07T12:19:00.005-04:00

One of the first movies we bought for our daughters was Bambi. We watched that movie again and again and again. One scene that is ingrained in my memory is when "the hunters" enter the forest and the birds and wildlife scramble. There is a conversation between two pheasants as they are hiding and basically one bird is telling the other to be quiet and "not fly - lay low and keep your cover." Often times I have used the line "Don’t fly ~ whatever you do, don’t fly" to encourage myself and others to wait upon the Lord. Don’t fly until He tells you to. This morning when I was reading in Isaiah 40 and 41 (two of my most favorite chapters in the entire Bible), I was once again comforted with these words ~ He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength [40:29]. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles;they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint [40:31]. Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the hand of my righteousness. [41:10]. For I the Lord they God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee [41:13]. That little pheasant in Bambi was faint and weak. He didn’t wait ~ for if he had his life would likely have been saved. I got to thinking about this application this morning and it is more than safe to say that we humans are notorious for flying when we shouldn’t and not flying when we should ~ and often fear comes into play keeping us from doing what the Lord wants us to do. We grow faint ~ feeling as if we have no strength ~ as we wait for the Lord to show us His perfect will. And yet He promises that He will increase our strength. What a precious promise to claim! The Lord also promises that if we will wait on Him we won’t be weary, and we will no longer be faint. And so, like the little pheasant, we need to wait ~ wait upon the Lord for whatever He needs us to wait for. Be not dismayed ~ He says ~ for He is our God. He will strengthen us and help us. And on top of it all He will hold our hand too. Oh what a comfort!

Loose Lips Sink Ships

2009-04-01T23:02:00.003-04:00

A recurring theme in Proverbs is the use of our tongue. Have you ever heard it said "what is in the well of the heart will come up through the bucket of the mouth." Eventually the mouth will reveal what is in your heart. So often we speak when we shouldn’t. Then we try to cover our tracks by saying "I was just kidding." Sometimes I have even heard others say "there is only an element of truth to what I’ve said" ~ in other words they "sort of" meant it. Yet other times, Christians will blame God for their ill-chosen words ~ implying He burdened them to speak frankly. Our mouths do give us away - revealing what we are harboring in our hearts.

Proverbs 4:24 says Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. I looked up froward and perverse and they mean contrary, obstinate, cranky, stubborn, etc. We’ve all had a contrary and stubborn day here or there - God says to put this type of talking "away." In chapter 8 and verse 13 of this great book, God says He hates the froward mouth.Chapter 10, verse 19 says In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. When we are not wanting this means we have plenty. So this verse is saying many words = plenty of sin. Usually it is best to just let things go - not get into an argument with someone. Because if we refrain our lips (which is to hold back or curb our speaking) ~ God says we are wise.

The tongue is a powerful weapon ~ it is described in James 3 as a fire, a world of iniquity, an unruly evil. In Proverbs 12:18 God’s Word says There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. Have you ever said something to someone in anger and even you were surprised with the words that came from your mouth? I know I have. It is kind of like toothpaste ~ once out of the tube it can’t be put back in. People can accept our apology and forgive us but the damage that we have done with our tongue can take much time to get over. satan gets great joy from replaying the words again and again in the minds of the erred - hoping we will remain angry, become discouraged, and that the stream of bitterness will begin to flow through our veins. This is why God warns us to hold our tongue.

So how will we know when to speak and when not to speak? Well, chapter 10 and verse 32 says that the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable; but the mouth of the wicked speaketh forwardness. We need to stay in God’s Word, stay "prayed up" and walk as close to God as we can . And while we may not always speak what is right we know what is right, don’t we. For as soon as that which is not righteous has exited our lips we know.I believe the most affective approach is found in Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grevious words stir up anger. I have been on the giving and receiving end of "a soft answer turneth away wrath." And I’ve also been on the giving and receiving end of "grevious words stir up anger." When we speak softly to someone’s anger, things calm down almost instantly ~ or if we are the angry one we will calm down (kind of like throwing a wet rag on a small fire). And, as well, if we speak grevious words to someone they can immediately get their ire up and fight back ~ or we can get our ire up very quickly when someone speaks in an unkind or ungodly way to us (like throwing gasoline on a fire).

It isn’t rocket science - just remember a soft answer, a soft spirit, a kind word is going to shut down someone’s anger almost immediately. I’ve seen it many times over the years.We know what is acceptable and unacceptable to speak. And we know what to do when someone speaks unkindly or angrily toward us ~ soft words..... It sure makes life a whole lot easier.

Preservation

2009-03-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

My visit yesterday with the blacksmith was followed by another visit that I reserved telling you about until today. While waiting for my car to be repaired, I walked up the street to a family restaurant ~ hoping to use up some of the wait time for my car.

For as long as I can remember I've known a gal that works in this restaurant ~ and she was on duty yesterday. I sat down with my food and she soon followed and sat beside me. I sensed something was wrong ~ and I was right. She began to share what she had been going through ~ another tragically sad story of a spouse falling prey to the one-eyed-monster known as the internet. It was difficult to listen to yet another account of a Christian family being broken apart from the fall out that comes with an addiction to porn.

Does it not make the statistics (of 1 in 2 Christian men addicted to porn) believable when I know several in my own little part of the world? It would seem that a support group for these folk is in order ~ for wives dealing and coping with the devastation that befalls their family when porn wreaks havoc on their home. All I can say is Heaven help us! It is hard not to get discouraged. We must be praying for the preservation of the family unit.

Crossing Paths With Terry ~ The 'I Can' Man

2009-03-27T16:12:00.006-04:00

This morning I found myself in a car situation that required me to sit and wait at a local repair shop. I was intrigued by a black man sitting near me who was talking to someone about "shoeing" horses. When he got off the phone we exchanged greetings. I told him I couldn't help but overhear that he worked with horses. He told me he was a blacksmith and was enroute to a local horse farm to work on some horses. He was one of those kinds of folk that you could have sat and listened to all day. It didn't take long for us to realize that we were both Christians. What a delight he was to listen to.

God had placed us in each other's path and I believe that it was for my greater benefit. Christians need encouraging and I think one of the most effective ways to do that is through a "vessel" that is on fire and sold out for God. And for me, it was just what the Great Physician ordered. This man, Terry, talked about how he shares his faith in the horse farms across the country ~ from Lexington, Kentucky to Sacaremento, California. He said, "I always get around to sharing the Lord ~ I have to. " He shared how he and other horse farm workers would make there way to the interior walkway of the horse barns ~ around noontime ~ and pray and study God's Word. My heart was warmed that this man of God ~ a man named Terry ~ is moving in and out of the presence of folk who race horses for a living.

We talked about his church and I asked him if it was only African American or were there people of other races that attended. He has gotten me so excited about his church that I have to visit. He did say that he doesn't call himself "African American." He said, "I am black and that is not an incorrect term." I told him how my best friend in high school was black and that back in the 70's it was in no way disrespectful to refer to blacks as black. It was considered respectful. He agreed and then he said something that really impressed me. He said, "What I like about African American is that they both end in "I Can" ~ I can do whatever I set my mind to ~ I can live for the Lord ~ "I can" ~ that is what I like about those two words."

God sent Terry to encourage me in a time when I really needed it ~ I've surely had a hard week ~ some very large decisions loom on the horizon for me ~ and I seem preoccupied with searching out what God's will is in this matter. Visiting with my brother in Christ, I was reminded that I can do what God sets before me ~ I can discern His will and proceed toward that end ~ I can.

~You can meet some of the sweetest people in the strangest of places~

My Absolutely All Time Favorite Time Of The Year ~ It Has Arrived

2009-03-20T11:19:00.003-04:00

It’s here. It is finally here. The first day of Spring. I’m blogging from the southern most part of Kentucky this morning ~ and it is so beautiful here. The grass is green, the daffodils are a brilliant yellow, the pear trees are adoring their delicate blooms, the forsythia are everywhere, the robins are singing their songs. Spring has definitely sprung.

I’ve wondered before why Spring is my most favorite of seasons over the warm and sunny weather of summer or the beautiful array of colors in the fall. Spring represents new beginnings to me. In April of 1971 I walked the aisle in a little Baptist church to take Christ as my Savior. I was only 12 years old. There was a Spring revival at our church ~ and at the time of the invitation my momma walked up into the church choir loft where I was sitting ~ she whispered into my ear with tears in her throat ~ "Cathy, if you died tonight do you know that you would go to Heaven?" I immediately began to cry ~ knowing I was bound for a devil’s hell ~ I came down from the choir loft and knelt at the altar begging God to forgive me of my sins and to save my soul. It was ~ hands down ~ the most wonderful life-changing experience ever.

Spring represents "new beginnings" in so many ways ~ for the land which has been laying dormant all winter ~ for the wildlife as they began their new families ~ and the most important new beginning of all ~ my second birth into the family of God. Spring has definitely sprung - isn’t it wonderful!

A Call To Arms - Part Two

2009-03-15T08:00:00.001-04:00

This is a somewhat lengthy read ~ please, please hang with me though.

Don’t you just love to have recipes right at your finger tips when you can’t find your paper copy? I don’t know how many times I’ve misplaced a recipe and merely had to plug it into recipes.com and there "she" sat ~ I push the ‘print button’ and I have another copy in moments. What about when you hear a word for the first time ~ you can’t spell it much less know its definition ~ it’s so easy to just check out Webster’s Dictionary online and "bam" you’ve got the info. And I couldn’t even begin to list the benefits of email. It is so much faster than a phone call. If you have to call several folk with the same message it is an even better use of your time. And my favorite of all ~ blogging right here with all of you ~ my lifeline to many wonderful Christian ladies who bless me with their devotions, who guide me with their kind words, who love me and they don’t even know me. By far it is my favorite use of the internet ~ and there are several other enjoyable ways I use the world wide web ~ from using map quest to get driving directions to listening to Billy Graham, Charles Stanely, J. Vernon MeGee and a host of others preach across the cyber air waves. The internet has many admirable qualities.

And yet I wonder ~ is "easier" all it is cracked up to be? Today I was once again made aware of another good man falling into the devastation of pornography. Right now all I can think is "Oh how can it be?" The ease of viewing pornography on the internet seems to be one of satan’s most effective tools in destroying Christians and their families. One in two Christian men and one in four Christian women are addicted to porn. Those statistics are nothing less than shocking and staggering ~ and they don’t even include the many men, women, and children that view it off and on and are not addicted.....yet. It is hard to fathom that we are sitting in our church congregations with this secret sin having overtaken so many lives.

A friend of mine talked with me this week about her pastor who confessed that he had had an addiction with porn some ten years ago and now he has an accountability system set up to help keep him on track - everything that he writes and views on the computer is automatically copied into an email each day and sent to his wife and one of the deacons of the church. At some point and time he realized that in order to heal he would have to be held accountable. And this was a preacher. I’ve talked with my pastor lately and he is aware of other pastors who have left the pulpit because they couldn’t break the habit ~ and yet others who are still preaching and continue with this battle. Indeed the statistics do not limit themselves to just the church congregation ~ they reflect the church pastors and other leadership like deacons and trustees as well. This is all so overwhelming indeed.

I’m not convinced that folk realize just how serious this is. It is such a powerful and addictive vice ~ and the ramifications can be likened to the rippling effect left by a concrete block rather than that of a pebble or stone thrown into the water. Indeed, the affect is paramount and the tremendous harm that is done is mind boggling. I have watched more than one family affected by pornography in the home. Minds are altered forever. Families are broken. Healing is difficult to attain "in part" much less "in whole." It is simply devastating.

We must have a call to arms ~ for this is a spiritual battle of great magnitude. I am weary of hearing about the fall of one good soldier after another. Satan is picking Christians off one by one ~ and we must fight back. May we pray as if everything counts on our prayers alone. KNOW what your children are watching on TV. KNOW what your spouse is watching on TV. KNOW what everyone is viewing on the computer. Install filters on your computers that cannot be altered except by the computer administrator. Have an accountability system in place with your spouse. Don’t expect that they can have the strength to move freely within the internet without falling. Many a good man and woman has already fallen. And those images that they have placed in their minds will be with them for the rest of their lives short of a miracle.

Oh dear friends, take some precautions and insure that all is right in your home. In a world of ipods, cell phones, computers, and tv’s ~ the temptation is overwhelming. And no one - no one - is above falling. Lord bless you today as you take up arms to protect yourself and your own.

A Call To Arms ~ Part One

2009-03-14T16:52:00.005-04:00

Why do children have to grow up so fast? And how do little first and second graders know more than I knew as a freshman going into high school in 1972? I think teens in junior high and high school know more than I know now. It is heart breaking and outraging all at the same time. My heart is troubled for children and youth in this world.

It simply mortifies me what many of these kids know ~ what they have already been exposed to at such an early age through filthy TV shows and movies ~ terminology they are familiar with from music they should not be listening to (words that would make an adult blush) ~ communication they engage in on the internet. What in the world has happened?

Do you know where your children are right now? Do you know what they are watching on TV? Do you know what lyrics they are listening to on their Ipods and MP3 players? Do you know what sites they are visiting on the internet? Do you know what photos they have downloaded to their cell phones? Do you know who their friends are at school? Your children are the greatest treasures that you have. Do well by them. Guide them, protect them, guard them ~ please.

This land we live in needs a revival. It needs a healing. In II Chronicles 7:14 God says If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. May we humble ourselves, be in great pray for our homes and our schools, turn from anything wicked, and ask God to forgive us our sins AND THEN HE WILL HEAL OUR LAND (and that includes our children).

When was the last time we spring cleaned the literature, and books, and movies, and music in our homes? Remove that which is ungodly. And do it for the sake of your children and teens. And do it for you! Lord Bless You.

Nothing Is Too Hard

2009-03-12T20:38:00.005-04:00

If I can believe that God created the heavens and the earth in just six days or that He provided His only Son to die on the rugged cross for all sin for all time or that He once walked this earth in the form of man healing the sick and saving the lost or that The Holy Bible is His inspired Word ~ if I can believe all of those things and I wasn’t even present for them ~ then why do I have so much trouble believing that God can heal broken hearts and broken dreams?

I have a friend who is struggling with the break up of her family ~ she sees little if any hope that things can be righted. And knowing the circumstances ~ I find myself viewing this situation as pretty hopeless as well. And I’m ashamed of that ~ because I do believe in a God of miracles ~ a God that can do anything at anytime. God inspired Biblical writers to pen the word "faith" 247 times ~ so He was surely trying to make a huge point ~ to have faith.

Webster defines faith as "a firm belief in something for which there is no proof." I have a firm belief that there is a Heaven and a Hell ~ but I can’t see the proof. I believe God tells me He loves me in so many ways but I’ve never "audibly" heard His voice. I know that Jesus Christ walked on water and fed two fishes and five loaves to thousands of people ~ but I wasn’t present for either miracle. James 1:6-7 says Let him ask in faith nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think he shall receive any thing of the Lord. I have to believe with out the proof ~ as does my friend ~ as does everyone. Looking to Christ and not the circumstances ~ trusting and believing ~ and trusting some more. May we all claim how God beautifully sums it up in Jeremiah 32:27 ~ Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

What Grade Are You In Today?

2009-03-09T23:37:00.008-04:00

The Pineapple Story 12-tape series has been such a blessing to me over the years. In the second tape entitled "God’s Grade School" Missionary Otto Koning talks about giving up our reputation, surrendering our worldly belongings, and yielding our rights as we progress through God’s grade school. Now that’s a whole lot of "nuggets" in just one tape.

I’m a bad one for worrying about what others think of me. I’ve certainly gotten better with age but I have wasted a whole lot of time in this department over the years. Mr. Koning talks about turning your reputation over to God ~ letting Him handle what others think of you. It is so true that when we try to control or monitor a situation, so folk will see us in the light that we want them to ~ well, we will most often mess it up. But if we hand it over to God and let Him take care of how others see us ~ the outcome is so much the better. And just think how much easier it is ~ think how much less stressful it is. I think, for me, I’ve been the most concerned when someone thought something of me that wasn’t true. It is so hard to just lay that down and let God handle it ~ but if God can’t handle it then no one can. Let God have your reputation in all things. Mr. Koning also talks about surrendering our worldly possessions to him. He says "Not everything we give to God will turn to gold but we must surrender it all and see what He will do with it." Nothing is ours ~ really. Every single thing in this world belongs to Him. Koning believes that if you don’t surrender all of your possessions you will never get out of first grade in this life. He says, "Don’t have a goal to be rich ~ just serve God. Nothing is important ~ only God." Missionary Koning compares our lives to that of being in grade school. Those situations and experiences that we find ourselves in each day ~ and the way in which we handle them ~ progresses or demotes us in the school of life. Doesn’t life seem like one situation or trial after another? It seems we hardly get through one situation and another is just over the horizon. It is these times that grow us ~ that make us the person God wants us to be. Sometimes we travel through these times and fall with a thud and at other times we soar like eagles. Mr. Koning says, "God wants us Christ like so he puts the pressure on until we surrender in that area." Oh that we would see it that way ~ I would much rather progress onto the next grade ~ fully surrendering ~ rather than holding on and holding back and going through fiery trial after trial.Life is a grade school. We will progress from Grade 1 to Grade 2 to Grade 3 and so on as we yield our rights to God ~ as we yield our will ~ as we yield our worldly possession ~ as we bend under His pressure to be like Him. Oh what love ~ that Christ cares that much for us. Oh what love. Always remember ~ God puts on the pressure because He does love us. It is when we are not under His pressure that we need seriously address what kind of relationship we have with Him. We want God to be working in our lives until we meet Him face to face. Lord bless you.

One Of Those Days

2009-03-06T21:12:00.002-05:00

It has been one of those days ~ when something happens that you weren't expecting ~ and it kind of broad sides you ~ sends you reeling ~ and when you come to you are wondering "where did that come from." Sounds like a perfect situation that the ole devil set into motion. Yep, one of those days.

But it was more than that. It was a day that brought to mind this verse ~ Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart (Psalm 26:2). I once read something to the affect that when we ride and use the reins to guide a horse we are testing him to see if he will obey. We are trying to figure out if the horse's mind and it's willingness to obey our directions are indeed connected to those reins. I don't know too much about horses (which is saying alot since I do live in the Bluegrass area ~horse capital of the world) but this sounds right.

And isn't that the way it is with our Lord. He communicates with us ~ there is testing involved ~ and we have to decide whether we will listen and obey. Isn't He checking to see if our "reins" are connected to our heart and soul? That is God proving us.

I look back on this morning and what transpired in just a few short minutes and I have to say that I am pretty sure that I failed in obeying the Lord's directions ~ which in my case would have required me not to "react" to the situation. In the end I made a very important decision that I believe I was supposed to make so it wasn't a total bust. Maybe I didn't fail the "proving" test as badly as I had thought. I would like to hope that I didn't.

Dear Blogging Friends Who Use Facebook

2009-03-04T18:30:00.007-05:00

Please know that I was in no way casting any stones if you do use this mode of communication. Maybe it is where I've been in my journey and I just wasn't ready for it. I still have Facebook in the house via two of my daughters ~ but I know how to monitor what is going on.

I shall miss uploading pictures and talking to old friends and sharing little snippets of news with other home schoolers (it was an excellent way to get a hold of some folk that I couldn't ever catch at home by phone). These are things I will miss. And yet I won't miss the pesky suggestive ads in the margin or my daughters constantly untagging my pictures because they didn't want a cute little picture of them when they were a baby put out there in cyberspace for all the world to see ~ what is up with that :) And I won't miss some pretty bad stuff I saw within the pages of those who I thought I knew. I reckon at this time it was just too hard to see.

You know, had I known that you all had Facebook my experience would have been so much better. We could have been "friends." So, down the pike, if my perspective changes don't be surprised if you get a request to be my friend ~ but don't hold your breath. :) Bless you all.

P.S. Check out this article a college gal wrote about quitting Facebook and going back to the old fashioned traditional ways of communicating. It is pretty cute ~ even if you do like FB.

Have You Ever Ventured To Try Something Called Facebook?

2009-03-04T13:40:00.003-05:00

Lately I became very interested in finding an old high school friend. I hadn’t seen her since we graduated from high school in 1976. So, I decided to try this beast called "Facebook." Low and behold the first person I found was my old friend Carol. The trouble came when I began to search for other folk ~ it was amazing how much time I began to waste doing this. I found myself reading my Bible less, praying less, and even visiting you all in blogland less.

To add insult to injury, I was exposed to the profiles of some people I had not seen for years ~ and it was heart breaking. God’s people are away from Him in rampant proportion. And while I was willing to remain on line and try and be some kind of testimony to them ~ I figure I could spend my time more prudently by praying for them daily and staying in contact by email should they need a shoulder.

I don’t mind using some time to blog with you lovely ladies who have become such sweet friends to me ~ gals who love the Lord and are reading God’s Word and meditating on it. That is edification! If I have spare time to use, I choose this Christian blogging over Facebook hands down.

It Is True ~ The Truth Can Make You Free

2009-03-03T23:53:00.003-05:00

In my journey to yield all rights to God, I have been challenged to not hold on to the old ~ old thoughts ~ old pains ~ old mistakes ~ but rather to act on truth. That has been a huge wake up call for me ~ "acting on truth."

Not all truth is easy. Some is really tough to hear ~ and at times even tougher to tell. What I am finding is that it does often hurt at first ~ but then it enables ~ it empowers ~ and it makes us more like the folk that God wants us to be ~ for He himself is true (John 8:26).

In John 8:32 Jesus said And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. God has given a wonderful example in His own Son about the beauty of truth. He is the truth and the way and no one can reach God but through Christ (John 14:6). Truth ~ it can make us free ~ in so many ways.

God Won't Push Us Out Of The Way To Do His Will

2009-02-27T01:34:00.003-05:00

Four weeks ago I experienced something within my family that was tremendously painful. There have been many weeks and months ~ and even years ~ leading up to this very hard pathway. Four weeks ago, before I knew it ~ it had engulfed my heart and spirit. I don’t know that anyone is ever ready or prepared for grievious situations. Sometimes we just have to hang on to the Lord for dear life ~ and pray like there is no tomorrow. I’ve felt so very sad and at a loss ~ yet knowing all along that my Lord never left my side ~ not once.

I’m not here to tell you that there has been a miraculous change in my situation ~ and that everything is well. But I am here to say that though I have been walking in the darkest of valleys, God is still my very best friend and finally my heart and spirit have been renewed.

As I shared yesterday, I began listening to The Pineapple Story series again. I listened to tape #1 twice ~ it was that profound. I am so thankful that God brought them to mind today. He certainly knew how much I needed it.

Through out this tape series, Missionary Otto Koning shares how we must yield many things to God (including his garden of pineapples) in order to reach that true happiness that we can experience only when we give everything to our Lord. In this first tape, he talks about yielding our rights ~ to pretty much everything. He reminds his listeners that we don’t own anything ~ from our car and home to our peace of mind, and health, and happiness. Everything belongs to God. And when we come to that realization and lay it all at His feet (which will likely have to be a daily practice) it is then that we will have everything above and beyond what we need. It is then that we will have true happiness.

Mr. Koning discusses how God wants to make the choices in our lives. We should never say "I am never going to do that" or "I don’t want to live there or work at that job." Because as sure as anything you will find yourself doing that. I remember when I was teaching at a Christian school in the mid 1990's and I said "I will never home school." Guess what I have been doing for the past 15 years? Yes, homeschooling.

He encourages us to give all of our possessions to God ~ for God will take better care of them than we ever could. He said, "Whatever you give to God with the right motives you will never lack that thing again. Whatever He is Lord of ~ whatever He controls ~ He will always do a better job of it than we can." But it has to be our choice. God is not going to push us out of the way to achieve His will. We have to surrender. And if we don’t ~ we will struggle.

And so I gave up my rights today. It wasn’t easy but I have found myself at a place in my life where I need God to do His will in a big way. He wasn’t going to push me aside so He could do a perfect work ~ it was necessary that I step to the side. I don’t know if things will ever be restored in the way that I desire for them to be ~ I don’t know what is going to happen. I just know that I laid down my rights to everything today. And you know what? It was such a load off of my heart. To say "Lord it is all in your hands. It is yours to do with as you please." For the first day in many many days peace has been restored in my heart and spirit. Tomorrow may prove to be a "dickens of a day" ~ satan will attempt to take me back to the pit I was in ~ but God can handle him easily. Until tomorrow...........

Thank You ~ Friends ~ For Your Love and Prayers

2009-02-27T00:41:00.002-05:00

It's not always easy to remain in contact when you are walking through a deep valley. I've taken time away from blogging for that reason. I have felt the prayers of my blog friends and have appreciated every sweet email and post comment I have received. Thank you for caring about me ~ someone you don't even know. I look forward to spending an eternity with you ~ my Christian sisters ~ in Heaven.

Yielding My Rights

2009-02-26T12:11:00.002-05:00

This morning I pulled out an old set of cassette tapes produced by The Institute in Basic Life Principles. The series is called The Pineapple Story featuring the testimony of Otto Koning’s missionary years in New Guinea. The twelve tapes share Mr. Koning’s powerful witness to yielding one’s rights to God and what a tremendous change that can bring to your life and to those lives around you.

I had listened to this series several years ago when I was away from God. A friend had stopped by one day with a delicious meal and the first tape of this series. I fought listening to the tape because I knew I was away from the Lord ~ this friend knew I was away from the Lord ~ and I wasn’t interested in being preached to. When I finally surrendered to listen to it ~ needless to say ~ it was life changing.

It had been many years since the waters had been stirred in my soul by the Holy Spirit. For way too long I had practiced quenching the Holy Spirit (I Thessalonians 5:19 - Quench not the Spirit). That day after listening to the tape, the flood gates opened and would not close. I cried and cried for hours mingled with prayer ~ confessing years of sin ~ begging God to forgive me. The sobs were so intense I thought at times I would stop breathing. It was such a magnificent time of cleansing. I do not believe I will ever forget it. That was over 11 years ago. Indeed, God used Mr. Koning’s testimony to bring a dramatic change in my life.

This morning when I began to listen to that "first tape" in the series I heard things that I had not heard when I listened to it in the past ~ kind of like when we read the Bible ~ you can read a verse many times and each time get something different out of it according to how the Holy Spirit is leading.

To spare you reading such a lengthy post I will continue tomorrow with how Mr. Koning’s testimony inspired me today ~ an inspiration I was desperately in need of ~ thank you Lord. See you tomorrow blog friends.

They Burned The Church Down

2009-02-16T16:31:00.003-05:00

As I have read through the Chronicles in the Old Testament, I’ve thought a whole lot about the Jews and the tragedy of their ultimately going into captivity in Babylon. For all those years, they had thought that they knew what was best for them ~ to have a king to lead them. Most of the kings were very wicked; and the final one ~ King Nebuchadnezzar ~ had the temple, which King Solomon built, destroyed. In II Chronicles 36:19 it says And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof. My heart hurt when I read that verse - trying to envision the darkness of that day when the temple was burned to the ground.

Under the leadership of many evil kings, the Children of Israel continued to make very poor choices. II Chronicles 7:22 says Because they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshiped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them. In the end, God’s chosen people were taken into captivity for 70 years.

This very account reminds me of the "falling away" of the church today. For some it is just about stage entertainment. They feel if you don’t entertain then folk won’t come. For others they have gotten away from preaching the Word ~ of telling about Jesus and how to be saved from our sins. And yet for others it is meeting to eat or socialize in place of preaching. The church has fallen away. And these situations don’t even include the many folk who call themselves Christians and they don’t even attend church.

I believe that in the same way it grieved God in the days of King Nebuchadnezzar ~ it grieves God today that His church ~ His people ~ are not about the Lord’s business. We live in a very wicked time and I believe it is directly related to the falling away of God’s people. In many ways we are already in captivity to the sin that lies around us.

What can we do to help strengthen the church? That’s a whole lot to ponder ~ isn’t it. Stay in prayer and stay in the Word ~ and we will be well on the pathway that we need to be on.

He's All I Need

2009-02-12T21:56:00.005-05:00

For many many months now I have been in the battle of my life. It has surely been noticeable that many of my posts are about leaning on the Lord. It seems I've had a great deal of experience doing that lately. Thank God that He promises that if we draw nigh unto Him that He will draw nigh unto us (James 4:8). And what a promise that is. Certainly one which constantly gives comfort.

I don't know what tomorrow holds but I do know who holds tomorrow. Someday I will look back on these darker days and be able to see each and every move that God has made. Someday I will be able to help someone who is walking the same path. Someday I will be able to testify with an exuberance that God is all I need. I hope you will take the time to listen to He's All I Need by the Kingsmen.

What Satan Fears Most

2009-02-06T23:40:00.005-05:00

What satan fears most is a man on his knees ~ not vast marching armies with great weaponry. He knows he can stand against the power of men ~ to engage us in battle is mere sport to him. But a man on his knees with his head bowed in prayer is something quite different to the prince of the air. For when he sees us in prayer to our God most high ~ he knows we have seen through his devilish lies. That’s why satan fears most a man on his knees ~and we’ll keep him trembling if our prayers never cease.

We need to realize that there is a war constantly going on in the spiritual realm. The devil does not want you happy, blessed, and rejoicing in the Lord ~ but rather depressed and blaming God for all the wrong that is going on in your life.

The enemy will try anything he can to separate you from having a relationship with the Lord and he is very successful at bringing problems our way in order to keep our mind from anything and everything except God. That is why it is important to have a strong and committed prayer life. If the devil constantly sees you in prayer and always asking for guidance and wisdom from the Lord, then the enemy knows his power has become ineffective against you.

Just as you would fight to get a burglar out of your home ~ you need to fight that spiritual war by praying ~ by fasting ~ by speaking forth the scriptures of authority and rebuking the enemy in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A person who kneels in prayer will be able to stand up to anything.

I could not have put it more simply than this. This powerful poem and devotional was submitted to Dwayne Savaya Ministry by Daryl Jackson.

God Is Thinking ~ But Are We?

2009-02-02T21:56:00.004-05:00

How much do you think God thinks about you? In Matthew 10:30 it says But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Hebrews 4:12 says He is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Both of these verses certainly indicate that God thinks about us. Psalm 40:5 talks about God’s thoughts and if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Imagine that. God thinks more about you and me each and every day than we can even number. Psalm 139:17 reiterates the same truth about how often He thinks of His children ~ O God! How great is the sum of them. That warms my heart that my God feels that much love toward me.

And so the big question is "How much do we think of Him each day?" Do we give Him a second thought as we go throughout our regular routine? When we walk past His Word do we pick it up and spend some time with Him? Do we go to Him in prayer praising and worshiping Him? How much do you think of Christ these days? Can we say what King David said in Psalm 42:1~

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

For so much of my life I would have had to answer weakly and feebly to those questions above. But I finally got it - I finally realized what I was missing by not reading and praying on a regular basis. May our souls pant after God every day we remain on this earth.

My Spring Counter

2009-01-31T15:42:00.005-05:00

This is my first "countdown counter." I did not count down until Fall ~ or Thanksgiving ~ or Winter ~ or Christmas ~ but Spring is a very different story. So I decided to take part. Spring represents life and new beginnings ~ and I'm in need of that! It is my favorite of seasons ~ there are none other as exhilarating and beautiful ~ in my opinion ~ as Spring.

Beautiful flowers on Prince Edward Island

The Vow Of A Lifetime

2009-01-30T00:52:00.004-05:00

May 22, 1982

In a little Baptist Church in Monticello, Kentucky

Pastor Don Strange Officiating

Condensed Version

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in Heaven, and into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.

Will you take this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?

And will you take this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love, honor, and obey him; keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

What God hath joined together let not man put asunder.

Tonight I tearfully watched "Fireproof" ~ and it was a much needed reminder of what took place in my and Gordon's lives almost 27 years ago. Vows are very serious ~ and not to be taken for granted ~ come what may.

Through The Storms

2009-01-25T23:51:00.003-05:00

I did not know His love before, the way I know it now. I could not see my need for Him, my pride would not allow.

I had it all, without a care, the "Self-sufficient" lie. My path was smooth, my sea was still, not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His love for me, I thought I'd seen His grace, I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place.

But then the way grew rough and dark, the storm clouds quickly rolled; The waves began to rock my ship, my anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride. It fell apart and left me bare, with nowhere else to hide.

I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead, And so I simply prayed to Him and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me, and then He helped me stand. He said, "You still must face this storm, but I will hold your hand."

So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain. I could not see the light of day or when the storm might wane.

Yet through the aches and endless tears, my faith began to grow. I could not see it at the time, but my light began to glow.

I saw God's love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too. For only when all self was gone could Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered, "Why?" At times I thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.

But Jesus never left my side, He guided me each day. Through pain and strife, through fire and flood, He helped me all the way.

And now I see as never before how great His love can be. How in my weakness He is strong, how Jesus cares for me!

He worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough. He only sent what I could bear, and then He cried, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!" He made the storm clouds cease. He opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace.

I saw His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong, I found anew His faithfulness, He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come, but only for my good, For pain and tears have helped me grow as naught else ever could.

I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me; If in the storm I'll love Him more, that's where I want to be! ~Author Unknown

Hebrews 13: 5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

The Greatest Love Letter I've Ever Written

2009-01-21T22:24:00.005-05:00

This is a longer read than usual but I hope you will read it to the end..... Over the course of several months I have posted about leaning on Jesus ~ about letting Him be our confidante ~ about making Him our closest friend ~ about allowing Him to be the one we go to when we are down and in trouble. It is part of His plan ~ and, frankly, I've found out over and over again that humans simply aren't wired to handle His "friend job description."

Humans fall short ~ and it simply is not their fault. We are not strong enough to carry the weight of someone else. We are not capable of being the perfect friend. We are not able to be "there" at all times for anyone. We just aren't. And when we attempt to put an individual into any of those positions it never works. We get hurt ~ they get hurt ~ and it could all have been spared if we had just followed the perfect path. There is not a friend like the lowly Jesus ~ no not one ~ and never will there be ~ ever.

Earthly friends are a great treasure to have ~ and I enjoy having them. Folk, who know me personally, know that I love to be with people. I'm one of those folk that might strike up a conversation with you in the grocery store ~ though I don't even know you. I tend to be of a friendly sort. But the dear Lord knows I've have at times placed too much emphasis on friends in this life. I reckon that is why I post about it so often. I, very well, recognize the importance of not elevating friends to a position that they should never be elevated to. You've heard the old saying ~ "Don't put me on a pedestal because I will eventually fall off." I've learned that it is an injustice to that individual to put them on the pedestal to begin with. They cannot fulfil God's job description as the perfect friend.

For the past few months I have been weary about something ~ and it is a pretty big something ~ I won't deny it. And just maybe it is my cross to bear in this life ~ my thorn in the flesh that I must be content with for my remainder here on earth. Yet with it being a rather "big something" to deal with I have confided in some family and friends about it all. But I've come to the conclusion that no matter how much I talk about it ~ it really doesn't make me feel any better ~ nor does it make the situation better. Actually I think it makes me feel worse and it makes the situation worse as well.

I figure the folk are praying for me once I talk with them and I certainly don't minimize the profit of that. But I reckon I could have gotten them to pray for me if I had just told them I had a serious unspoken that I needed them to take to the feet of Jesus. Please don't misunderstand me. I don't believe that it is wrong to have close friends that we can confide in and lay our head on their shoulder in the darkest of times and just sit and pray and know that they are there for us. That is the making of a wonderful earthly friendship. That is a true friend. But it becomes of much less affect and can only bring pain when we replace God with them. It is a fine line ~ is it not? And sometimes a hard one to discern.

This week I really got to thinking about my "friendship" with God ~ and how I need to be treating Him like my closest friend. So three days ago I began a love letter. I've started more prayer journals than I can count ~ so I knew this had to be different if I was going to stick with it. I simply began a new folder in my word processor ~ and each time I have felt lonely and gloomy, each time I have wanted to lay my head on His shoulder and have a good cry, each time I wanted to feel the love and warmth of His arms around me ~ I have taken out my laptop and begun to write a letter to Him. As I pray I type it. And guess what? It works. It really works. And if I'm interrupted ~ I don't lose my place. :)

I will sit at that keyboard and pray and cry and type and pray and cry and type some more. Oh what a friend He is ~ like no other ~ no not one. I cannot see His face or hear His voice but I know that He is there. I cannot tangibly feel Him holding me close as He tells me everything will be alright but I know He is there.

O, what a friend we have in Jesus ~ all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. O what peace we often forfeit ~ O what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have you written God a love letter lately? It's a great experience.

My Love Letter's Gonna Have To Wait

2009-01-20T20:16:00.009-05:00

I had planned on posting about a "love letter" I've been writing for the last two days ~ but I reckon that will have to wait. Today was the big day for our new president. I've been out and about throughout the day ~ I checked some blogs ~ and read some email ~ and even talked to some family and friends ~ and it seems that there is an air of apprehension ~ even worry ~ about what tomorrow and the next day and the next day holds.

On November 4th our nation went to the polls to vote ~ and the popular vote results (66,882,230 to 58,343,671) reflected a country that was pretty much divided. That night I wrote a post that God laid on my heart ~ and in light of the uneasiness I sensed among so many this day ~ it seemed fitting to post it again. And as for that love letter ~ I reckon it will have to wait until another day (you can stay tuned for that one).

It is a solemn evening as many Christians watch to see who will be the next president of the United States. I have been encouraging friends and family for quite some time to take God’s Word and use it as a measuring stick against the beliefs of the candidates. In the end we can vote the way in which we feel God is leading us through His Word and the rest is up to Him. So, if we wake up tomorrow morning to find that the man chosen by the people is not the man that we feel measures the tallest against God’s Word ~ we need to keep some very important things in mind.

~ We are to pray for our new leader ~ no matter who he is. God commands us to in His Word. I Timothy 2:1-4 says I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of truth.

~ OUR GOD IS STILL SOVEREIGN. HE IS STILL ON THE THRONE. In Colossians 1:16-17 it says For by Him were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities or powers, all things were created by Him and for him; And He is before all things, and by him all things consist.

~ We are to work for the night is coming. John 9:4 I must work the works of them that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh when no man can work.

I can see how Christians may grow very worried and fret over the election results. This is why it is so important for them to be in God’s Word. If we stay in His Word then we will be anchored and strong and ready for whatever comes. It is your only comfort; it is your only peace; let it be your all in all.

Listen, my friend, I can’t help but believe that the United States has become a "stinky" wound in the sight of God. This country ~ our country ~ founded on the God of the Holy Bible ~ with a heritage so rich for our Lord ~ has turned its back on Him. So many many Christians have become like the world ~ their complacency is so strong ~ just living to live ~ following God as it suits their lifestyles. Why do you think one out of two Christian men are addicted to pornography? Why do you think so many Christians are divorcing and then going on to live with the next person they come to care for? Why do you think 50 million helpless babies have been aborted since 1973 ~ even some by Christians? We are in a very sad state. And that is just in respect to the Christians. Looking at those who are still lost and dying ~ it is even more sinful and dark. We are an infectious wound in the eyes of God indeed.

I love America and have always counted it such a blessing and privilege to live here ~ to be an American. But we are so very far from where we started. We are so very far, even, from the days when I was raised in the 60's and 70's. Not long after 9/11 I saw a bumper sticker that said "We say God Bless America but we need to say America Bless God." We want God to bless us but we haven’t been blessing God in the way in which we live our lives.

As we near the end of our journey on this sin-sick earth things are not going to get better. They are not going to get easier. And I encourage you my friend to stand fast in the Word of God, stay in church, pray like you’ve never prayed before. We are fast becoming the minority in this world. If God tarries coming this night, we will see another morning. But be not discouraged. For God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling there of. COME WHAT MAY ~ FEAR NOT ~ GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH. Those verses still hold true today just as much as they held true back in November just as they held true when they were written. We are commanded to pray for our president ~ I hope you will. So dig your heels in ~ stay busy for the cause of Christ ~ and lift our new leader up ~ he's gonna need it ~ because this old world is spinning out of control ~ he's got his work cut out for him.

God ~ My Greatest And Closest Friend

2009-01-20T00:49:00.007-05:00

There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus

No not one ~ no not one

None else could heal all our souls' diseases

No, not one ~ no, not one

Jesus knows all about our struggles

He will guide 'til the day is done

There's not a Friend like the lowly Jesus

No, not one ~ no, not one

There's not an hour that He is not near us

No, not one ~ no, not one

No night so dark, but His love can cheer us

No, not one ~ no, not one

No earthly friend can do all of that ~ no earthly friend is supposed to. Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus, He is a Friend that’s well known. You’ve no other such a friend or brother, tell it to Jesus alone.

Are You Sleeping?

2009-01-16T23:57:00.008-05:00

I'm come to be quite fond of the verse We spend our years as a tale that is told (Psalms 90: 9). I reckon my fondness stems from the reality check that it constantly reminds me of. This verse can truly put your whole life into perspective. Our life is a tale ~ a story ~ and with all tales an end is emminent. We have one "go around" ~ and while so many in the world see that as an excuse to live the devil's way ~ it truly is the perfect reason to live the Lord's way ~ and redeem the time that He has given us.

Ephesians 5:15-16 says See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Our time on this earth is running out. My pastor preached on this very passage last week ~ in tears pleading with us to "redeem the time." He talked about how the world is at an all-time low ~ because people are getting farther and farther away from God. And in the mean time Christians are sleeping. In verse 14 of this same chapter it says Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

I think a lot of us can go to sleep ~ through indifference (having a more "open mind" in respect to this evil world which will lead to 'fence sitting' and a state of indifference) ~ and through sin (yielding to the temptation that encircles us in this world) ~ and even through distraction (satan loves to distract the Christian with everything imaginable from prestige and riches to trials and troubles ~ whatever it takes to make us ineffective for Christ).

God is coming back and if death does not take Christians from this world then the trumpet will. And with that thought, Pastor Dan encouraged us ~ that until that happens ~ to redeem our time in three particular ways:

1. Read your Bible ~ everyday. Cherish it like those Africans that Raphael took Bibles to (see post entitled "Greasing The Way in Prayer"). We need for it to be our most precious possession.

2. Win your lost relatives to the Lord. Now is the time ~ tomorrow might be too late.

3. Serve God with all you have.

Pastor Dan shared with us that he had been out soul winning and he was able to speak to a gentleman out in his yard about Christ. The man accepted the Bible tract but was unwilling to pray and ask God to save him. He said what so many say "Not today. Maybe another time." One week later my pastor went back to visit this man again and he had been killed in a drive by shooting. We won't know until we enter eternity whether this man read that tract and accepted Christ. Little did Pastor Dan know that less than seven days after he witnessed to this man ~ that his life would be needlessly snuffed out.

Oh that we would redeem the time that Christ has given us here on this earth. Oh that we would redeem the time so that this tale we are living might be a worthy story to tell. Oh that we will redeem the time...........

Getting "To The Point" ~ Like Maxine

2009-01-14T17:34:00.006-05:00

This is the country girl in me talking ~ 'you kinda hafta watch Maxine.' I have seen a few of her cartoons that the language wasn't nice. But not so with this one.

A few weeks ago I received an email from a home schooling friend of mine with this cartoon included. She said that I came to mind when she saw it. She followed up with a second email to make sure that I didn't think that she was comparing my physical attributes to Maxine's ~ but rather this is something she might hear me say. But if you could have seen me all day today in my long purple robe ~ fighting "fibro flu pain" (it's not the real flu ~ you just feel like it is) ~ you might have agreed with her.

I do believe it is possible that I might make such a statement but I don't believe I would have said it to just anyone. It's easy when we are within our circle of Christian friends to boldly speak up ~ yet it is quite another to speak so candidly to those who do not believe in our God. May we ALL be as bold as a lion.

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion

Proverbs 28:1

"Greasing" The Way In Prayer

2009-01-13T13:37:00.002-05:00

Have you ever heard such a phrase ~ greasing the way in prayer? I had not ~ until this past Sunday when an African man with the most beautiful of British accents shared how he and his wife took Bibles into their homeland that desperately needed the Word of God. He said, and I quote, "We greased the way in prayer."

You would have to hear Raphael speak ~ you would have to hear him pray ~ you would have to hear him sing ~ to completely grasp the tremendous inner beauty he possesses. It was nothing short of angelic to listen to him speak of how he and his wife had prayed and prayed that Bibles be provided so that they could go into Africa to distribute them to their people. How God provided 64 Bibles ~ and no one was even aware of the prayer request. How the Bibles traveled without any problems through customs. How 400 people showed up for the church meeting. How 200 people made decisions. How 64 of those folk received a Bible. How they felt as if they had been given the greatest possession they could ever receive. And the entire event was "greased in prayer."

Prayer ~ it is not utilized as much as it should. Oh the power of prayer. It rests the weary. It changes night to day. It enables us to forgive ~ to fight temptation ~ to praise our God of the universe ~ to protect us ~ and the list could go on and on. How often do we grease our lives in prayer? Our children’s lives? Our country? And that list could go on and on too.

May we be as Raphael and grease the way ~ whatever way that may be ~ in prayer.

All On The Altar Update

2009-01-12T10:25:00.004-05:00

As I shared in my last post, I laid down some "much needed things" in my life. It was tearfully painful but I am so thankful that I did it. We were not built ~ created ~ equipped ~ to handle the burdens that only our Lord can carry. And THANK GOD that He can and does carry them. My spirit is restored, my resolve has returned, and my determination to stay out of the driver’s seat is renewed.

Satan ~ the destroyer ~ has already made his move to bring me down again ~ I would have been foolish to think that he wouldn’t bother me. He did and he will continue. He comes in the form of worries and doubts and most of all discouragement. I know he will be back and I’m thinking that understanding that ~ knowing full and well that he will be back ~ is probably more than half the battle. And keeping my guard up, staying prayed up, continuing to read and meditate on God’s love letter to me, wearing the full armour, leaning and leaning again on the Great Jehovah ~ that is the other half.

Blessings to you all ~ Cathryn

Laying It All On The Altar

2009-01-09T21:50:00.004-05:00

This morning ~ before my feet even hit the floor ~ I found myself at the Altar ~ asking God to take some things that I have been carrying around for a while. I think I even surprised myself just how much I had to hand over. I have known for quite some time that I am not equipped to carry much of anything on my shoulders. Yet it doesn’t seem to stop me from removing them from the Lord’s shoulders and putting those burdens back onto mine. I reckon I get to thinking that maybe, just maybe, I can carry it awhile ~ maybe I can do a decent job in trying to work life’s issues out. I mean ~ how hard could it be?

And that’s just the point. It is very hard ~ extremely difficult ~ downright impossible. When I get myself in this spot I can equate it to jumping into a race car at the Indy 500 ~ taking the driver’s seat ~ and hoping to drive that thing to the finish line. Hard ~ difficult ~ impossible? Indeed.

I’ve been a Christian long enough to know that God has His own way of doing things ~ in His own time ~ and it is imperative that I keep my eyes on Him and off the circumstances of life ~ or I will sink ~ as I often have ~ just like Peter did when he took his eyes off Christ when they were walking on the water.

And so I gave back some things that I had no business having. I can’t drive that race car ~ I must remain in the passenger seat; I can’t climb to the top of that mountain ~ not without the proper climbing gear; I can’t walk that tight rope ~ unless I have the rod to balance me above and the safety net to catch me below. Thankfully, I am hopelessly incapable of running my own life.

This morning through many tears and a broken spirit I laid my "all" on the altar. An old hymn I used to sing in a little country church in southern Kentucky ~ entitled "Is Your All On The Altar" ~ came to my mind ~ and the fit was perfect.

You have longed for sweet peace
And for faith to increase
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all on the altar is laid.

O we never can know
What the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed
Till our body and soul
He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.

Who can tell all the love
He will send from above
And how happy our hearts will be made
Of the fellowship sweet
We shall share at his feet
When our all on the altar is laid.

Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.

In 1900 Elisha Hoffman was inspired by Romans 12:1 to write this song.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Thank You Deborah

2009-01-07T22:09:00.009-05:00

Ms. Deborah has sent me an award. Thank you so much. To accept this award, I must mention who I received the award from and link back to her/him. Then I am to share the following ~

This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are extremely charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award.

I am passing the award on to:

1. Caryn whose blog ~ Very Calm ~ is rich in so many ways not to mention calming

2. Karin whose blog ~ Yesterday, Today, Forever ~ so blesses me with her poetry

3. Jennifer whose blog ~ Double Nickle Farm ~ teaches me I can make or do anything I set my mind to

4. Connie whose blog ~ Connie's Thoughts From The Heart ~ who often lends comfort in her writings

5. Starr whose blog ~ Cooking With The Preacher's Wife ~ keeps sharing recipe after fabulous recipe (goodness knows I need all the help I can get)

6. Bren whose blog ~ Seeking Grace on the Narrow Path ~ is a new golden nugget I have found through Deborah's blog

7. Cindy whose blog ~ Life is Good ~ is my encouraging Georgia friend

8. Sue whose blog ~ Keeping My Branch Connected To The Vine ~ is really searching out the scriptures and striving to live the narrow path

I hope you all will check out these blogs ~ you will be blessed.

Congratulations to you all. Blessings ~ Cathryn

Blog Background Info ~ Please Don't Laugh :)

2009-01-07T19:38:00.009-05:00

Per your request ~ here is a lengthy and descriptive explanation of how I get these beautiful blog backgrounds.

When I began blogging I restricted myself to using ONLY the templates that Blogspot offered. I had tried again and again to upload templates from other sites but to no avail. And then I met Susan at Susanspace. For the life of me I cannot remember how I found her. The Lord surely led me to her because she has been an inspiration to me ~ she makes me laugh ~ and she taught me how to change my blog background. :) Thanks again Susan.

Whatever I share, Susan was my inspiration! I do forewarn you that it is not a strength of mine to give "directions" of any kind. But I will surely do my best.

I have been accessing two websites for free blog backgrounds. One of the sites is The Cutest Blog on the Block which is down for maintenance (and it happens to be the easier one to work with). But I will walk you through the more difficult one ~ One Cute Blog.

Important Note: I had feared that deviating from the blogspot templates would totally mess up my pictures, posters, posts, and everything else. IT DID NOT. So don't worry blog friends.

1. Sign in to your blog

2. On your dashboard page click "layout."

3. Click the blue highlighted tab to the top left of your screen "Pick New Template."

4. On the template page you must choose one of the following templates in order for this to work. Your choices are: Minima, Minima Lefty, Minima Stretch, or Minima Lefty Stretch. Because you are wanting to upload a colorful, snazzy background it is necessary to use one of these white Minima templates. You can actually use any of the templates BUT the colors will conflict with those on the new background you will upload. So stick to those with totally white backgrounds.

5. Click on the "Save Template" button. As you can see you have done nothing to "dismember" your blog in anyway. You have simply changed the blogspot template. So put all worries aside.

6. Once you are back at the layout page click on "Add a gadget."

7. Scroll down to and click on "HTML/Javascript."

8. It is necessary at this time to minimize your layout screen and open up a new screen. Type in the following web address ~ http://onecuteblog.blogspot.com/

9. Once you get to this site it is fairly self-explanatory. Scroll down until you find the background that you are interested in using (at each page end keep clicking on "older posts" to see more choices.) For some of these backgrounds the code immediately follows. Cut the code and then paste it into the HTML/Javascript box that you minimized earlier. Once you click "save" you can click "view blog" and ‘tada' you should have that new look you were after.

10. Now you may have chosen a background that does not have the code directly beneathe it - instead the words "direct link" will be present. Go to the installation button at the top of this blog site and it gives you more detailed instructions than I ever could.

11. Basically you will first paste the red code given on this installation page in your empty HTML Javascript box.

12. Go back to the page that contains the background you wish to upload. Click on the words "direct link" below that background. It will direct you to a photobucket picture of the background. It is kind of confusing but it works. Cut the URL address at the top of the screen. Close the screen and go back to your HTML/Javascript box. Within the code you have already pasted in the box (see #11). Where it says DIRECTLINK, leave the parenthesis and quotations in place, and copy/paste the URL address into that place. Remember ~ The direct link is located UNDER each template picture (that doesn’t have a code box) and will say "direct link."

13. Click save and once again ‘tada’ you should have the background you are looking for.

It took me a long time to gather the courage to attempt this because I was afraid I would lose everything on my blog. Now I’ve changed my background so many times ~ as you all know.
When The Cutest Blog Spot opens back up for business you will simply click on the word "backgrounds". When you find the background you are looking for, click on the background and wonderfully the directions and code pop up. It is glorious and sooooo very easy.

If you haven't figured it out by now I can be a bit on the wordy side. When someone needs to know directions to my home I rarely leave out a cow pasture on the left, a plank fence on the right, and every stop sign and dip in the road between. I'm hopeless ~ I know.

When Susan helped me she was good to answer any further questions I had as I was figuring everything out. Please feel free to contact me at cathryn.morrow@gmail.com or just leave me a comment here. I look forward to see your alls creations. Blessings ~ Cathryn

The Streets of Gold

2009-01-07T16:36:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I think I should go into scrapbooking ~ because I find entirely too much fun in changing my blog background ~ which is at least once a month. This new background kind of reminds me of Heaven. Stay tuned for the next change. :)

God Have Mercy

2009-01-06T23:48:00.006-05:00

Aw ~ the mercies of God ~ new every morning ~ everlasting ~ tender. Have you ever cried out for those mercies? Maybe you have been keeping vigil by someone’s bedside as they battle a serious illness or disease. Or maybe you are sitting by the phone waiting to hear that a loved one is safe. Or just maybe you find yourself often in prayer for that loved one who has strayed from the fold ~ you don’t know where they are or what they are doing ~ but you fear the worst.

Situation after situation, in our lives, will bring great cause for us to cry out "God have mercy!" It’s almost like a helplessness ~ really. Not being in control ~ not knowing what the future holds ~ not being able to heal that serious illness or not knowing that all our children are safe at home or controlling whether a loved one will return to the fold intact ~ if at all.

In my mind, I’ve compared it to watching a chess game in progress. I cannot move any of the pieces ~ I simply watch as deliberate and even haphazard moves are made. I want to cry out "Don’t put that piece there ~ you will lose it for sure." "Watch out, you’re gonna lose." "Let me play for you ~ I have more experience ~ I can help you to be a winner." I feel like I know better than them ~ I want to intervene ~ make decisions that will minimize or completely alleviate their pain and discomfort on down the pike.

And then I have to remind myself of that beautiful promise of God’s mercies. How I can cry out when I feel helpless; how I can beg for His mercy when my mind has gone silly with "motherly" worry; how I can trust my Heavenly Father to oversee the chess game of my life. For it is He who is in control ~ and not myself.

I once heard a precious Christian woman give her testimony and if I were to forget everything else she said and only remember this one phrase then I will have remembered much. She said, "God doesn’t waste a hurt." Even in the times of life when our chess games may have gotten haphazard and may even appear as if the board and its pieces are going to tumble to the floor ~ God will use those hurts to glorify Him if we are willing. God will use those times to mold us and make us what we ought to be. We must stand firm ~ turn our backs on that which Anne of Green Gables called "the depths of despair" ~ and claim His love and mercies for they are new and fresh each morning.

Lamentations 3:22-23

[22] It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Left Behind

2009-01-03T22:29:00.008-05:00

I’ve put off writing this post because I haven’t felt adequate enough to say what is heavily burdening my heart ~ and I reckon that’s me not trusting as I should. You know how that goes ~ until you surrender and write what the Lord has burdened your heart with ~ well ~ no matter how hard you try to write a post about something else ~ the "writer’s block" won’t leave.

And, so, I decided to step out and share what has been on my heart. Any time that it involves the book of Revelation and the end times I can get a little uneasy. I’ve studied this scripture before ~ though not as indepthly as I need to ~ and I’ve heard many a sermon over the years about the rapture, and the tribulation, and Christ’s return ~ but there are parts of it that I am not comfortable in having lengthy discussions about. I read it, I believe it, I accept it ~ though I don’t completely understand all of it. And I know this is where my feeling of inadequacy comes from ~ for Revelation can be somewhat intimidating. And then I realized I didn’t have to "discuss" Revelation ~ at least not today :) ~ I just had to be faithful to share what God burdened my heart with.

I recently watched a movie about "end times." I had seen it one other time ~ and, as before, it left me feeling so terribly sad about all that will occur after the rapture. There is disagreement in the Christian circle about this movie’s Biblical accuracy and about even supporting anything that comes out of Hollywood ~ or Holl(ow)ood ~ as Jennifer at Double Nickel Farm calls it. And I reckon I can appreciate both of those arguments ~ but the fact remains that the movie was compelling to me ~ a believer ~ to quit sitting so much and start reaching out more to the lost. To see someone’s portrayal of this earth once the Holy Spirit has departed, to see the faces of individuals searching for their loved ones who were raptured, to see the total chaos across the continent ~ it continues to be a wake-up-call to me that this is real, that it is going to happen ~ possibly in my lifetime ~ and that there are so very many folk not ready.

It is sobering. It is sad. And I keep having this thought of someone out there that I could have witnessed to and didn’t ~ and they keep saying "Why didn’t Cathryn tell me? She knew. She knew all along the truth. She knew and she didn’t tell me." Those words haunt me. Frankly I don't want to be in that position. And right now unfortunately I am. Oh Dear Lord, may I not lose this urgency to share the gospel with this sin sick world. For you are returning someday ~ may we all be about Your business!

Matthew 24:38-46 ~
[38] For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, [39] And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [40] Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. [41] Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. [42] Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. [43] But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. [44] Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. [45] Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? [46] Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Karin Sent Me An Award!

2009-01-02T00:10:00.005-05:00

To my great surprise Karin at Yesterday, Today, Forever has given me a blog award. To follow are the instructions she shared with me ~ Select seven bloggers to pass this award on to and then link this post back to the person who gave me the award. It was hard to choose but I have chosen the following ladies ~

The first friend I met in "blogland" ~ Susan

My "inspirational" Washington State friend ~ Deby

A great mother ..... ~ Sharon

My "warm-hearted" friend ~ Marsha

A friend with a great testimony in word and song ~ Deborah

A newer friend who inspires me so ~ Marilyn

A Kindred spirit ~ Michele

It was hard to choose. Thanks to you all for making my experience in blogland richer.

Letting Jesus Be Jesus

2008-12-30T01:03:00.004-05:00

One of the hardest lessons I have had to learn in my life was "letting Jesus be Jesus." There have been times when I have counted on a good Christian individual to be my deliverer rather than the Lord. Somehow I would replace someone lending me a helping hand with needing them to "deliver" me from a plight I was in at the time. Difficult as it is to admit ~ this happened several times in my past.

I had to learn again and again and again ~ the hard and painful way ~ that trusting a human being to be my Lord was futile. People can encourage us, and pray for us, and guide us to the Lord ~ but they are incapable of pulling us out of a problem we are in and keeping us out of it. Only God can do that. Only God will not grow weary with the job of overseeing us through thick and thin. Philippians 1:6 says Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Beth Moore put it well when she said, "People can help us but they can’t heal us. People can lift us but they can’t carry us. And on occasion people can pull us out of a pit, but they can’t keep us out of it." That is our Lord’s job ~ we need to let Jesus be Jesus ~ we need to let Him do a "work" in us.

And so for me it took a "granddaddy-of-a-situation" to finally teach me once and for all this valuable Biblical truth ~ above all to lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus.

Leaning, leaning
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning
Leaning on the everlasting arms!

The Sound of Music

2008-12-29T01:35:00.006-05:00

In 1965, when I was just seven years old, my mother took me and my sisters to the drive-in to see The Sound of Music. I reckon it has been a favorite of mine ever since.

In the scene where Maria returns to the convent because she is afraid to face up to her feelings toward Mr. Von Trapp ~ she is asked to meet Mother Abbess in her office. She encourages Maria that she cannot run from her troubles. She says, "Maria, these walls were not meant to shut out problems. You have to face them. You have to live the life you were born to live." She then begins quoting Psalm 121 in part. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber (verses 1-3).

You’ll have to admit that that is pretty profound "stuff" coming out of Hollywood. Of course it was way back in 1965 ~ over 40 years ago ~ but the movie is still quite popular today ~ which means those profound quotes are continuing to reach homes across the world.

I liked what Mother Abbess said about facing problems and just as importantly about living the life that you were born to live. And I like what God said (inspiring David to write) about how our help comes from Him ~ how He will not let us slip ~ and He isn’t going to go to sleep on the job either.

That small scene in the Abby that day is powerful. So much is said in those few lines of the script. May we keep in mind that we are born to live the life that God has called us to live ~ that our God is our help and fortress ~ and that our God never sleeps ~ He is there for us 24/7.

Well, It’s Christmas Eve Eve

2008-12-23T10:32:00.004-05:00

Yep, I meant to type Eve twice. It is the "eve" of Christmas Eve. For as long as I can remember it is my favorite day of the holiday season. It is not quite Christmas ~ I still have time to finish those special sugar cookies my family loves ~ I still have time to go out and pick up anything I might have forgotten (or in my case for this year ~ I still need to finish shopping ~ I’m just so thankful that Amazon.com was able to help me as much as they did!) ~ I still have time to send out a card or two ~ I still have time.

And that mentality certainly walks hand in hand with the way I have approached and am about to enter this very special time of year. I’ve slowed down considerably ~ trying to stroll through the hustle and bustle rather than dart frantically here and there. I've listened intently to the Christmas songs (Christian and secular). I’ve discovered that I won’t be humming "Santa Baby" anymore ~ that the description of the Grinch in "You Are A Mean One Mr. Grinch" is very vivid and he was a pretty sorry soul before his transformation ~ that "Breath of Heaven" is a Christmas song and one of the most beautiful I’ve ever heard ~ that Mark Lowry sings "Mary Did You Know?" much better than anyone else.

I’ve spent more time watching some movies and shows with the family (it has always been hard for me to sit through a movie) and I continue to be convinced that the-older-the-better is still the way to go. The Walton’s Homecoming with Patricia Neal (a native of my state!) and Richard Thomas (my first love in the 70's ~ don’t laugh) is pure and fresh. In one episode on the Andy Griffith Show, Andy and a young lady (played by Gail Davis) sit on the front porch and sing a precious love song entitled "Down in the Valley" ~ it is one of the prettiest love songs I’ve ever heard. And I plan to watch It’s a Wonderful Life ~ again ~ but this time sticking with it from start to finish.:)

Slowing down this Christmas required me to consciously decide to do so. It has always been such a rush-rush situation for me ~ and in the end it is invariably anti-climatic because once that intense pace concludes it has always been a major let down.

I have truly tried to make this a different Christmas for myself and the family. In many ways I believe I have succeeded. At least I hope I have. I have determined that strolling through the preparation and festivities of Christmas has allowed me to see what is going on around me ~ to really listen to those Christmas lyrics instead of just knowing the tune ~ to appreciate the sweet spirit and cleanliness of the movies and shows of a time long, long gone by ~ to exert my energies in a way that hopefully I won’t feel that anti-climatic feeling anymore.

So I enter Christmas Eve Eve in a different place this year ~ and you know what ~ I like it. Merry Christmas!!! P.S. Just so you know, the beautiful home pictured above is not my house. :)

Blessing Someone With A Blessing

2008-12-20T21:33:00.005-05:00

It truly IS more blessed to give than to receive. This evening I had the opportunity to drop off some gifts to a family that our home school group had done a food pounding and gift drive for earlier this month. The food and grocery gift card donations were generous to say the least. Last week this single mother told me that she bagged up some of the food and took it to an even needier family near her. When she entered the home a little boy and girl became so excited saying such things as "Look, we have green beans. Green beans!" and "A cake mix ~ she brought us a cake mix."

The woman that we had blessed turn around and blessed someone else. She knew that this family was hungry and hardly had any money for food ~ and while she was suffering hard times she gave some of her blessing away to another. Now if that isn’t the joy of Christmas then I don’t know what is. It truly is a much greater experience to give than to open a gift to oneself. God calls us to take care of the weak and poor ~ and what a rewarding event it is.

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Acts 20:35

One Cute Blog

2008-12-20T02:30:00.002-05:00

I know I'm kind of pitiful ~ changing my blog background so often. But you will have to admit that this one is kind of darling. I went to The Cutest Blog On The Block (where I always go) and noticed that there was a link for other free blog backgrounds. Eventually I made my way over to One Cute Blog and I gotta tell ya ~ there were some pretty ones over there. I chose the gingerbread man ~ I thought he was really cute. Listen it is 2:30 in the morning here in Kentucky ~ and I have insomnia. Maybe that's why I change my background so often ~ I'm bored. :)

Michelle

2008-12-18T22:08:00.005-05:00

I met a lady today ~ a clerk at a Christian bookstore ~ named Michelle. She was helping me find a book for a woman who has separated from her husband. At that time I did not tell her it was because of the destruction pornography had brought to the family. It seemed she knew many of the books first hand ~ for she kept saying "I’ve read this one and it is good" and "I’ve read that one and it really spoke to me." At first I didn’t notice her tear streaked cheeks and blood shot eyes. She told me ~ "I’ve found these books to be personally helpful. We all go through hard times, don’t we?" It was then that I told her how my friend’s life was forever altered because of her husband’s addiction. And Michelle quietly said, "I know."

As she walked with me up to the cash register, this total stranger told me how she had just received another phone call from her husband of twenty years and had broken down in the stock room of the store. She then said, "What is he thinking? It’s Christmas." At that moment my heart ached for yet another woman who is struggling this season as her husband has faltered under the temptation. I looked at her name tag and said "Michelle? My middle name is Michelle so I am going to remember your name." Total strangers ~ we embraced across the counter and promised to pray for each other. The whole thing just kind of broke my heart.

She is my sister in the Lord and the bond that formed in such a short time was heart warming and pitifully sad all at the same time. But it has encouraged me that we Christians must remain steadfast, we must stand firm. We must reach out to a hurting people ~ men and women ~ it is our call. There are SO MANY folk that are hurting ~ and may we not get so caught up in our own lives that we don’t notice.

Joy To The World

2008-12-17T23:15:00.005-05:00

Okay, okay, so my second song on the playlist is a bit perkier compared to music I usually play. I can see some of you smiling. You know, I do have my reasons for playing soft, slow moving, inspirational, and-at- times tear jerking music. I have my reasons.

You see, when I was growing up my father was a rock-n-roller. He fought alcoholism much of his life and all of my life ~ up until the time of his death. And for as long as I can remember I was raised on rock-n-roll. I know more secular songs then I can count ~ and quite a few that I don’t care to admit. I have many memories of the bass being turned up so loud that my bedroom floor rumbled under my feet.

So, I came to hate music with a beat - in particular rock-n-roll music. I desired a music that was calming ~ a music that would speak to my heart and soul. I know it sounds sappy but I am a sappy kind of gal. And, so, I fell in love with music that was gentle and soothing ~ for me that was and continues to be the epitome of beautiful music.

Over the years, some friends and relatives have teased me about not listening to secular music or even something they call "gospel rock" ~ but the rock of it all is too close to what I listened to my whole life. I simply have no desire to listen to it. I've had enough beat already to last me more than a lifetime. But I did decide to branch out tonight and play this really peppy Christmas song. It is simply beautiful! So ~ Joy to the World ~ joy that our Savior did come ~ joy that He saved my soul ~ joy that He continues to save souls ~ joy for good music!

Blog Friends ~ You Make My Day

2008-12-16T21:10:00.002-05:00

For those who follow my blog ~ you’ve probably figured out by now that I’m a bit on the serious side. I can laugh with the best of them ~ I can ~ I’m just not gifted in telling jokes, reliving a humorous moment, and such. My middle daugther ~ who is the comedian in the family ~ always looks at me seriously and says "Momma, just let me tell it." And she always does the better job. :) But I can have fun and enjoy folk ~ because I love people ~ so I reckon that is why I visit your blogs so you all will bring a smile to my face and even cause me to laugh out loud. Susan at Susan's Space does a particularly good job ~ for I consistently come away from her site with a big smile on my face. And today was no exception.

With that said, I would like to thank my friends in blogland for wonderful posts and plenty of happiness and cheer to share with the rest of us. You make my day!

Snapshots of Joy

2008-12-15T12:10:00.003-05:00

This past week I downloaded some graphics from a site entitled Snapshots of Joy. Her work is beautiful ~ to say the least. As you scroll through my blog you can see various pictures and posters that I downloaded for free.

This one was particularly touching to me and its art work quotes and reflects the writings of the prophet Isaiah (43:1-3). But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by they name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD they God, the Holy One of Israel, they Savior.

Oh what a love ~ with words that can hardly express how that makes me feel ~ that He calls me by name. Oh that I am His. Oh that He is with me through the waves of life ~ and I won’t sink. Oh that He is with me through the fiery trials of life ~ and I won’t be burned. What comfort, what joy, oh what love.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Origin - Maybe.....

2008-12-13T19:33:00.005-05:00

Last Christmas season I received an email about the origin of The Twelve Days of Christmas (Author Unknown). I tried to check it out ~ some believe in its authenticity ~ while others do not. No matter whether it is truth or an urban legend, I really liked it. If it isn't the origin of that old song, maybe it should have been. Read on and enjoy.

You're all familiar with the Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." To most it's a delightful nonsense rhyme set to music. But it had a quite serious purpose when it was written. During the period of 1558 to 1829, Parliament had finally emancipated Catholics in England, and they were prohibited from ANY practice of their faith by law - private OR public. It was a crime to BE a Catholic. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written in England as one of the "catechism songs" to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith. It was a secret memory aid ~ for to be caught with anything in *writing* indicating adherence to the Catholic faith could lead to imprisonment or even worse ~ they could be hung (shortened by a head as they called it).

The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! (Luke 13:34).

The other symbols stand for the following:

2 Turtle Doves ~ The Old and New Testaments

3 French Hens ~ Faith, Hope and Charity, the three virtues

4 Calling Birds ~ The Four Gospels

5 Golden Rings ~ The first Five Books of the Old Testament

6 Geese A-laying ~ The six days of creation

7 Swans A-swimming ~ The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit

8 Maids A-milking ~ The eight beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing ~ The nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

10 Lords A-leaping ~ The Ten Commandments

11 Pipers Piping ~ The eleven faithful apostles

12 Drummers Drumming ~ The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

So there you have it. True or not ~ I don't know ~ but an interesting read nonetheless. Merry Christmas

Don't Abandon Your Friends In A Time Of Need

2008-12-10T22:52:00.003-05:00

In the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to draw very close to a friend of mine who is in need. At times in our lives we will hit a low spot. For this friend, she is in the greatest struggle of her life. The horrendous effects of pornography has ravaged her home. satan is doing that a lot these days ~ picking off Christians one by one ~ and his goal is to leave no survivors. This family has been no exception. What I've been reminded of is just how important it is to be there for people who need us.

We live in a fast paced world ~ it is so easy to be caught up in our own lives. And ~ unfortunately ~ some folk don't want to get involved. I've even seen others abandon a friend in their hour of need. I know I've had that experience myself. And it hurts like the dickens. God calls us to love one another no matter what. Jesus says in John 15; 12-13 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Christ has commanded us to love others as He loves us. And let me tell you ~ that is a a very great love to imitate. So reach out to those you know are in need ~ a phone call, a card, or even a visit ~ we can make a difference as we lay down our life for our friends.

17 Shopping Days Left ~ I'm Really Not Worried

2008-12-07T21:45:00.007-05:00

It is just 18 days until the big day set aside to celebrate Christ’s birth. And, um, I’m kind of not hardly even partially or minutely ready. And you know the strange thing about it all ~ I’m not worried about it. I’m not really sure why it took so many years ~ but this ~ my 50th birth year ~ I have finally arrived at being relatively calm about Christmas. I figure when I enter the final stretch it will all come together so I am really enjoying not getting uptight, not panicking as I hunt for just the right gift, not killing myself in my decorating....

Whether it should or should not have ~ something happened this year when I turned 50. I really stepped back and took a look at what I had to show for 5 decades of life. I saw myself running through the field ~ as a young girl ~ rounding up the pigs on a school morning ~ it seemed they always had an uncanny way of getting out right before the school bus arrived. I remember when I would climb one of the apple trees in the orchard and get to the highest branch possible so I could be alone and think ~ that was hard to do with what seemed like three pesky sisters back then. I saw myself sitting in the church choir at 12 years of age ~ my mother approaching me at the invitation of a good ole revival meeting and asking me the most important question of all time "If you died tonight do you know whether you would go to Heaven?"

And then there were the times I remember marching out onto the football field with my high school band ~ twirling my flag ~ or on one particular evening a huge cardboard bow painted yellow ~ we performed to "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole’ Oak Tree" that night. I know I’ve walked the wedding aisle in my mind many times this year ~ watching my dearly departed father cry like a baby as he linked his arm in mine. I saw myself waddling ~ nearly nine months pregnant ~ across the stage of the Singletary Center at the University of Kentucky to receive my master’s degree in education ~ but actually (and accidentally) I was walking with the doctorate recipients instead. My moma kidded me that I received two degrees that day.

I remember the birth of each daughter ~ and how they have grown up way too fast. I can see the day our eldest walked the wedding aisle herself and kissed her prince for the first time. I could go on and on........ but I think that somehow you get the picture. My life has passed before me so many times this year ~ some memories very sweet and others not so sweet. And all of these moments and so many more have helped to mold me into the person that I am today.

So with all of this pondering and walking down memory lane I’ve come to two conclusions. Life moves so quickly ~ it is so dawgone short ~ and we need to enjoy it ~ which is where I think my not getting uptight about the hustle and bustle of Christmas is coming from. And the other thing that I have concluded (been reminded of) ~ is that time is of essence ~ and only what we do for Christ will last. People so desperately need the Lord. And I think that a lot of them want Him too ~ they just don’t know how to get Him. And that is where we come in.

So, I’m planning on enjoying the next 18 days to the fullest ~ a little shopping here and there ~ making up some homemade fudge ~ sending out a Christmas card or two ~ but that which I want to do the most is tell someone about the greatest gift of all time ~ the LORD JESUS CHRIST. May I be as bold as lion!

In All Things ~ Don't Complain

2008-12-05T01:43:00.006-05:00

I believe there are no coincidences in life ~ ever. I was driving down the road recently and something I had been reading about in the Bible just jumped into my head. And, I suppose, it was the parallel that was made in my mind and then in my heart that really got me to thinking.

I had been reading in the Book of Numbers about the Children of Israel and how God reacted to their complaining and murmuring as they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. It displeased and disappointed Him that they didn’t trust Him enough to provide for them (Numbers 11:1). And it got me to thinking about when I complain - and how that must displease God. Frankly, it is an expression of disbelief toward God's order in my life. Complaining is unbelief in His Word ~ "For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). If I believe that the Lord is in control of my life and is working ALL THINGS for my good then I need to stop complaining and starting thanking Him for the plan He is working together for me.

Aw.... easy preaching and hard living you might be thinking. I’ll have to agree. But it was what came to my mind after that initial thought that caused me to really examine my heart. At first it was hard to remember but my thoughts began going back to different times in the past when I had given place to complaining and grumbling about my life. I remembered that when I started praising God for those "all things"(Romans 8:28) ~ when I began to show appreciation to God for guiding and leading me through this ole world despite the ups and downs ~ that those "all things" began to be taken care of in one way or another. (Psalm 50:14-15). A friend put it this way ~ "Grumbling and complaining only prolongs your agony. Praise moves God to change your situation."

Have you ever prayed for something so hard you can taste it? Well, that is where I am. And my heart needs to be right in order for God to move - however He may move. It won’t be easy but I’m going to try with God’s strength to be thankful in all things ~ it’s just the right thing to do.

Do all things without murmurings and disputings
Philippians 2:14

Comforting Words ~ Balm To The Soul

2008-12-04T01:45:00.007-05:00

Can't you just hear the sweet, precious voice of Jesus saying Let not your heart be troubled (John 14:1a). He was speaking to His disciples hours prior to Judas Iscariot betraying Him in the garden.

In verse two He says, I go to prepare a place for you ~ another precious promise from our Lord. Can't you feel the comfort in His words? 'Don't be troubled my child. I love you. I have to go but I am coming back some day. And where I am going ~ I will be getting things ready for your arrival.'

Verse three beautifully promises And if I go and prepare a place for you I WILL come again and receive you unto myself that where I am you may be also. I've found that as I get older I do think more of the glorious eternity that awaits me as a child of God. Sometimes I think I am more excited about going than I am about staying and leading others.

May we all keep our eyes on the prize - resting in knowing that we will spend forever with Christ and our Christian friends and family AS we fulfill the great commission to Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 28:19).

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit
John 15:16

Twas The Night Before Jesus Came

2008-12-02T21:15:00.003-05:00

Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house

Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.

Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "it's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

~ Author Unknown

There Could Be A Worse Habit

2008-12-01T19:15:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I'm bored and changed my background...... again. I can't seem to help myself. I think it stems from my love of pretty paper and school supplies. :) I'll have a half dozen different backgrounds before the holiday season is over. I figure there are far far worse things I could indulge in. :)

The Unbelieving Believer

2008-11-30T19:51:00.002-05:00

I heard this term ~ "the unbelieving believer" ~ this morning at my mother’s church ~ for the very first time. It really got me to thinking about how we as believers pray for something but tend to be shocked when the prayer is answered. We put our petitions before God about a special need ~ a lost loved one ~ a crisis ~ and we pray and pray and pray but we often lose hope and stop praying because we don’t believe God is going to answer the prayer.

I know that I have been an unbelieving believer at times in my life. And I also know what God says about that. In Mark 11:22-24 it says And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. In James 1: 5-7 it says If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. God clearly wants us to believe when we pray.

The point is if we perserve and keep praying ~ keep believing that He will answer ~ He will do so ~ it may be ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or ‘maybe’ ~ but He will answer according to His Will. And how much more victory ~ how much more happiness ~ will we have in our lives if we become "believing believers."

Stand Up For Jesus

2008-11-30T00:34:00.004-05:00

Have you ever been in one of those situations where you knew you were going to "major-ly" kick yourself later if you didn’t speak up right then and there? Have you also found out there are going to be some folk ~ relatives included ~ that have made it quite clear that they don’t believe what you believe, they don’t want to believe what you believe, and would you please stop talking about what you believe?

This Thanksgiving weekend brought such a time for me. I was visiting with family and was half-way listening to a relative talk about something she had been reading on the internet in respect to land that the Jews are fighting for ~ something about Mesopotamia ~ wars ~ fighting over land was mentioned again ~ Abraham ~ and so on. (I really started listening at this point). She concluded by saying "They say the wars will continue until the end of time ~ and no one will really win the war over this disputed land. Everyone is just going to blow up anyway and no one will win."

I sat there for a moment and contemplated whether I should speak up or not. And then I quietly spoke and told her of God’s covenant with Abraham and how the land did belong to the Jews ~ how the battle would ultimately be won ~ and that everyone was not going to blow up. She was quiet for a moment and then said "I don’t believe that." I told her that it was clearly written about in God’s Word. She then said something that hurt my heart ~ "I don’t believe in the Bible completely ~ just parts of it are true ~ it is not literal." Now this is not "just" any relative ~ this is a relative that knows better. She was raised in the church ~ made a profession of faith at the age of 12 ~ she once professed that she believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. Years ago a "new age" colleague drew her away from the truth. Oh how far from the Lord she has come.

It’s possible that had this conversation taken place last Thanksgiving I might have not said a word. But this Thanksgiving was so different for me ~ I am tremendously thankful for God’s Word ~ more so than I have ever been in my life. It has been that light unto my path and a lamp unto my feet this past year. To hear someone I love ~ someone I know who knows the truth deep down in her heart ~ dispute the Word of God ~ to proclaim that it is not inspired but rather "written by a whole bunch of different men" ~ to say that portions are not real ~ that was hard for me. I told her to say that even one small part of the Bible was untrue meant that we could not proclaim that any of it was true. I tried to explain to her that it was inspired by God ~ that it has withstood the test of time ~ and for me to sit back and say nothing to her statements against the Holy Bible would be a tragedy against God. She looked at me and said, "Cathy, you’ll be alright" to which I replied "Yes, I know I will." And she concluded by saying "Hey, I know I’ll be alright."

I walked away from the conversation feeling so inadequate ~ as if I had failed. Yet God promises in His Word that He will give us what to say when we need it. Matthew 10:16 says Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Verses 19-20 say But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak; for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

I know this ~ excluding my family ~ God’s Word is the GREATEST earthly treasure to me. I can’t live without it ~ now that I know what it is like to live with it. I had to stand up for it. Did my feelings of inadequacy and failure come from satan? I think so. Did I let the Holy Spirit speak through me? I pray so. People have died standing up for their faith ~ standing up for His Word ~ should we do any less? It isn't easy to take a stand. Plenty of times I have quietly stood by. I pray I will always speak up when God wants me to ~ and that I will say what the Holy Spirit gives me to say.

Lord Willing And The Creek Don’t Rise

2008-11-28T08:27:00.003-05:00

Have you ever heard the saying before "Lord willing and the creek don’t rise?" Here in Kentucky it is common to hear someone say that in addition to "I’ll see you tomorrow," or "I'll get that done,"....... For many folk, it simply means that barring any unforeseen complications I will see you tomorrow, I’ll take care it, I’ll do it, and so on. Yet for the Christian, it has a much sweeter meaning.

This morning as I was reading in the Book of James, I was reminded once again of God’s exhortation in Chapter 4 ~ verses 13-15. Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow, For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that.

Often times, I speak with a surety of what will take place tomorrow or the next day ~ but truly that is an impossibility ~ for ye know not what shall be on the morrow. When I was growing up I would get kind of agitated with folk who would often say "Lord willing" to a question I might ask. At that time I saw it as being noncommittal. Yet as I grew and matured and began to understand God’s Word I realized the importance of such a reply. Everything is in God’s hands. We do not know what today or tomorrow will bring. But Lord willing our lives will continue on and we will have more time on this earth to make a difference for Him. Lord willing, indeed.

A Happy Thanksgiving To All

2008-11-27T00:46:00.000-05:00

The Refiner's Fire

2008-11-23T20:16:00.005-05:00

It might seem strange to tell you that this evening, at our special Thanksgiving service at church, I gave thanks for something that has been very painful for me this year ~ and at times I wasn't even sure I would survive it ~ that painful thing is God’s Refining Fire. Yet if it were not for this painful thing, I would not be on the journey I am on today.

Have you ever heard the song The Refiner’s Fire? I'm not even sure who penned the song ~ I first heard it on a music CD I purchased from the West Coast Baptist College Chorale Group. I reckon I’ve listened to the song a cazillion times ~ and each time it speaks to me. I know that I know that I know that to be more like my Lord ~ the refiner’s fire is most necessary in my life. Still yet I struggle with an aspect of the process ~ and it is worded well in the chorus of this song ~ "No matter what I may lose I choose the Refiner’s Fire." That is a hard one for me. And I’m not talking about material loss ~ but rather the loss of a precious loved one. Can I completely entrust my greatest earthly treasures to Him? Can I give it all - no matter the cost? I would like to think that I could and yet the thought does scare me. I do know this ~ the life within the refining process far far exceeds the life I once lived outside of it.

There burns a fire with sacred heat
White hot with holy flames
And those who dare pass through its blaze
Will not emerge the same
Some as bronze and some as silver
Some as gold, then with great skill
All are hammered by the sufferings
On the anvil of His will

I'm learning now to trust His touch

To crave the fire's embrace

For though my past with sin was etched

His mercies did erase

Each time His purging cleanses deeper

I'm not sure that I'll survive

Yet the strength in growing weaker

Keeps my hungry soul alive

Chorus ~
The Refiner’s Fire has now become my soul’s desire
Purged and cleansed and purified
That the Lord be glorified
He is consuming my soul
Refining me, making me whole
No matter what I may lose
I choose the Refiner’s Fire.

For He knoweth the way that I take, and when He hath tried me I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10

Slaves To Sin

2008-11-21T14:57:00.004-05:00

God’s timing is always perfect ~ even when we don’t understand it. In the by-and-by it always falls into place and makes sense. Yesterday I was driving to a nearby town and I decided to put in a preaching CD. My mother had ordered it and had shared it with me over a year ago. I’m not really sure why I had never listened to it. So there it was in the visor ~ and I decided to put it in and see what it was about.

I was actually kind of surprised - it was about being a slave to sin. I must say that after I listened to it I called my mom and asked her if she remembered giving it to me and she said that she did ~ she also said that there were folk we knew that were enslaved to sin and she thought it might help. Simply put ~ that is an understatement!

Christian families are falling apart in epidemic proportion. And I believe I state that without exaggeration. If I ~ me all by myself ~ know of six Christian families that are devastated by sin and the family is broken, that tells me that the war of satan against the saints is heating up.

So many Christians are enslaved to some type of sin that wages within them. They go to church on Sunday, heartily shake everyone’s hand, answer "I am doing great" when asked how they are - but they aren’t fine. Most of these folk would even say that they are free ~ but they aren’t free. Oh, they are free physically but emotionally and spiritually they are slaves ~ slaves to something that has a power over them ~ a power that commands them to indulge in desires that they should not be indulging in (i.e. alcohol, drugs, sexual immorality, porn, gambling, etc). They are slaves to sin.

In John 8: 31-36 Jesus is speaking to the Jews about being in bondage to sin. In verse 34 Jesus says Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. Certainly we all sin every day of our lives. But in this context ~ in referring back to the Greek word for committeth ~ it states the definition "continually." Understandably, if we continue in a sin we become a servant to it ~ we become enslaved. I can truly relate to this bondage. For 12 long years I was enslaved to soap operas. It began very subtly and before I knew it I was watching three a day. I was addicted, I didn’t care that I was addicted, I completely stopped reading my Bible, I completely stopped praying ~ how in the world it happened, I’m not sure. But the point is I became a slave to that sin. I’ve been "soap opera free" for 10 ½ years and when I look back on it, it is truly hard to imagine how I let myself get in that shape.

Only God could set me free from that bondage. John 8:32 says And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. I had to recognize that it was sin, that I needed to walk away from it ~ and it wasn’t easy. There were times in the beginning that I so desperately wanted to turn the TV on and start it up all over again. It wasn’t easy. But eventually, after getting back into the Word, after reestablishing my prayer life ~ freedom finally came.

I do believe that God had me to listen to this CD to remind me of where I’ve been and even more importantly to better equip me in dealing with those who are there now. You see, I’ve gotten angry particularly with the ravaging of sexual immorality among Christians. The statistics are staggering with 50% of Christian men addicted to porn and 27% of Christian women struggling with it. It is wreaking havoc in the homes, in the work place ~ everywhere we look we see sex being used to sell any and everything. It is at every turn.

Listening to this preacher talk about sin and how it can enslave ~ giving the analogy of a chain being wrapped around our neck and being drawn tighter and tighter with each indulgence ~ I reckon the anger just left. I know we are to hate the sin and not the sinner but when I see people I know and care about hurting ~ well, I just kept getting angry.

I thank God that He guided me to this sermon at a time when my heart was open and ready for it. I don’t know what the next step is in ministering to these folk but I do know that feeling hateful toward the one enslaved ~ toward the one that has done what seems to be irreparable damage ~ doesn’t help anyone. I need to pray more and talk far less.

My Sister Jo Carol

2008-11-20T00:07:00.003-05:00

This picture reminds me so much of me and my youngest sister. We were, and still are, very close. Lately I've gotten to spend more time with her than usual and it has been such a delight. She is a wonderful sister and a true friend. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. This so applies to how Jo Carol and I have been there for each other all our lives - strongest as a pair ~ lifting each other up in prayer, in word and in deed. I don't know what I would do without her. Thank you Lord for her.

My Recent Theme

2008-11-18T22:54:00.002-05:00

Friends, I know I have been writing a lot lately about the trials of this life. Right now I know so many Christian families under attack ~ good Christian families. satan would like nothing more than to sift them as wheat. Thus the thoughts on my heart. I'm not apologizing :) ~ just explaining.

'Trying' Is Used Only Once

2008-11-18T21:25:00.004-05:00

This year marks my 50th birthday. I’m at a point in my life where I can say I have some loved ones who have gone on "home" before me and I’m actually thinking about the day when I will see them again. But I’m also at the point in my life where I think about going to Heaven for I yearn to be brought into His presence ~ for troubles and trials have a way of drawing us closer in our relationship with Christ.

I’ve been reading the Book of James today ~ and it opens with an exhortation in respect to these very trials. For the first time, I read it differently than all the times before. Verse 2 says My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations. Temptations are typically thought of as those things that tempt us ~ and I was thinking along those lines in the past when I read this. Verse 3 goes on to say Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. I reckon, in my mind, I was reading verses 1-12 as "if you can get through the temptation without yielding to it then it will develop patience." I ‘supposed’ this in my mind but never failed to study it further ~ until tonight.

I checked out my Strong’s concordance for the Greek meaning of temptations in verse 2 ~ which said "a putting to proof - adversity." I then checked the Greek meaning of the word trying in verse 3 (interestingly this word is used only once in the entire Bible) ~ which said "a testing; a trial." The word temptation is used again in verse 12. Upon checking the Greek meaning it said "uncertain affinity; depth; deep or open sea."Definitely these words indicate troubles, trials, tribulations, and deep despair rather than evil temptations. This has meant a great deal to me ~ once again ~ that the Holy Spirit as brought me to yet another understanding of the scripture.

Divers temptations (trials) = patience

I liked what J. Vernon McGee had to say about this passage ~ "Testing will either drive you to the Lord or it will drive you away from Him. So many Christians become bitter. It is not going to be a pleasant experience to come someday into the presence of Christ if you have let the very thing your heavenly Father was using to develop your character and to bring you into a loving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ make you bitter."

So we have to hang in there. We will have testings and these testings are a method God uses to develop us in the Christian faith. And there will be a crown of life for those who persevere under trial ~ James 1:12 says Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Divers temptations (trials) = Patience = Crown of Life

Now I’m not anticipating the Crown of Life ~ for I have too often become weary and bitter while going through the refining process by my Potter ~ but I just want to leave here trying ~ if you know what I mean.

There is only one solution on how to get through these divers temptations ~ these trials of life ~ stay the course, gain patience, keep the faith, and He will see us through.

Is there no other way open, God,
Except through sorrow, pain, and loss,
To stamp Christ’s likeness on my soul -
No other way except the cross?
And then a voice stills all my soul
As stilled the waves of Galilee,
"Can’st thou not bear the furnace heat
If midst the flames I walk with thee?
I bore the cross. I know its weight.
I drank the cup I hold for thee.
Can’st thou not follow where I lead?
I’ll give strength. Lean hard on Me."

~ Author Unknown

Cathy ~ You Must Find Victory Within Yourself

2008-11-17T00:11:00.003-05:00

This is somewhat of a long read ~ but it shows how God moves and I pray it can encourage someone.

I’ve been waiting for days, weeks, even months - waiting for something specific from God. I had told Him it would make it so much easier if He could scrawl His answer across the sky ~ or send me a letter in the mail. :) I found that the more I sought His face on this particular matter the more anxious, impatient, and even desperate I was beginning to feel.

This afternoon I had to run an errand for my mother. I drove to the store and as I walked the aisles I once again implored God for help in this very crucial matter that is uppermost in my mind. I can’t tell you exactly how "what happened" took place ~ I just know that it did. God spoke to my heart and I found myself saying out loud "Cathy, you must find victory within yourself." My mouth moved, said the words, and I believe God put them there. I had not even been thinking these words. And at that moment the oppression and loneliness that I had been feeling lifted from me. The impression was profound.

Now I can’t tell you that I knew exactly what that meant. All I knew was that God gave it to me. The lift of that heavy weight of oppression was so tangible. I knew this was my starting place ~ and I also knew where I had to go to begin searching for what God was trying to tell me. So when I got home this evening I began a word search in the Bible. I figured my work was cut out for me ~ with a term like victory ~ there had to be many citations. But surprisingly it occurs only 13 times in the Old and New Testament combined. And there were three citations that really stood out to me this evening.

The first citation is found in I Chronicles 29:11 which is King David’s "kingdom prayer." Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the Heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. This is considered one of the greatest prayers in the Scriptures. J. Vernon McGee puts it well ~ "It repudiates (refuses or denies) all human merit and declares human dependence on God. It reveals self-humiliation, confession, and dedication of self. It admits that all belongs to God." Human merit unimportant ~ dependence ~ meekness ~ confession.

The second citation is in Psalm 98:1 O sing unto the Lord a new song; for He hath done marvellous things: His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. Matthew Henry says "The Redeemer has overcome all difficulties in the way of our redemption, and was not discouraged by the services or sufferings appointed him ~ let us praise Him." Praise God - He has overcome all obstacles ~ victory indeed.

The final citation is in I John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Faith saves us and faith keeps us. J. Vernon McGee says "...and faith is the only way in which you and I will be able to overcome this world around us." This verse says that whoever is saved (whoever is born of God) will overcome this world. And it doesn’t say that we will overcome by fighting but rather by faith. God will do the fighting ~ in the same way that Joshua was to march around the walls of Jericho. His business was to believe God that the walls would fall down - his job was not to fight and knock the walls down. And so it is for us - to overcome this world by faith.

God burdened my heart ~ ‘Cathy - You must find the victory within yourself.’ Lay down any effort to fight this battle. Believe that God will fight it for you. For He knows all your infirmities and He has overcome the world.

I don't know what tomorrow will bring. I don't even know what the next step will be. I only know that I will overcome this situation with my faith. God is my victor.

Somebody's Praying ~ I Can Feel It

2008-11-16T00:05:00.003-05:00

Prayer is a mighty mighty thing. Throughout this journey called life I have had many a friend to reach out to me and genuinely say "I’m praying for you." And you know what ~ I could feel it. I am very thankful tonight for family and friends that care enough to take my name before the Throne of Grace ~ for the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16). Thank God for family and friends, thank God for prayer, and thank God for the power and strength that comes from it.

We Are In A Spiritual Battle

2008-11-14T08:24:00.002-05:00

The first time I gave any credence to spiritual warfare was in my early adult years. At that time I believed it to be real but I don’t know that I really comprehended it. Several years ago I had the opportunity to read several of the Frank Perreti books ~ Piercing the Darkness, This Present Darkness, The Prophet, The Oath, and The Visitation. All of these books bring to life what is warned about in Ephesians 6:12 ~ For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. My knowledge and awareness of just how tangible the spiritual world really is has never been the same.

God saw fit to warn us about it in Ephesians 6:12. Praise God that He also gave us the anecdote to combat this great threat we know as satan and his demons. J. Vernon McGee says "It is only God’s armor that can withstand the strategy and onslaught of satan who has all kinds of weapons." The Christian does not fight the enemy who is flesh and blood. Our enemy is spiritual so our warfare must be spiritual. Who is the enemy of every believer? The devil. McGee goes on to say "There are spiritual forces working in the world, evil forces working against the church. They are working against the believer, against God, against Christ. It is happening, and you and I alone are no match for it."

And the way to victory over the devil is to follow what God has laid out in Ephesians 6:13-18. The first thing we must do is stand. (Vs. 13). We need to be in standing position to fight a good fight. Second, we need our loins girt about with truth (we need to know the Word of God); and have on the breastplate of righteousness (not self-righteousness but the righteousness of Christ ~ a heart and conscience that is right with God) (vs. 14). Third, our feet are to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (our feet are to be anchored on the Rock ~ The Lord Jesus Christ) (vs. 15). Fourth, we are to ~ above all ~ take the shield of faith (Christ, not only the door to salvation but also the door which protects the believer from the enemy on the otherside). By faith, we are securely in His hands (vs. 16). Fifth, put on the helmet of salvation. (vs. 17a). All of these weapons are for the defense - protecting the front of the Christian. Our magnificent God further lays out His plan in the next verse that will supply weapons of offense. The first one is the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God (vs. 17b). In Hebrews 4:12 it says For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword..." We desperately need that sharp sword coming out of our mouths today. The other weapon offense is found in verse 18 ~ the weapon of prayer ~ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

We need to recognize these spiritual enemies called satan and his demons and we need to grab hold of that which is God’s in order to fight the battles that are going to come. If you are a Christian, living for the Lord, those battles are going to come. Be ready my friend. I speak from great experience ~ be ready.

The More You Read And Pray The Harder Satan Fights

2008-11-13T23:25:00.007-05:00

Have you ever noticed that the more you pray and read your Bible and rely upon God the more things can heat up ~ and I speak in reference to spiritual warfare. It has been one of those days. And I am thankful that God was once again faithful to protect and guide me. I'm tired but I made it! While I would like to post on spiritual warfare and putting on the whole armour God that will have to wait until another day. So I leave you with a few more things that I am thankful for:

25. God's protection

26. My mom patting my hand when I am upset

27. A warm hug from my eldest daughter

28. When my cats lick my nose

29. A warm Indian Summer day

30. The smell of mown grass

31. Fazoli's Breadsticks

32. Watching my youngest knock a ball in the outfield

33. Geraniums of all colors

34. Tilled soil between my toes

35. Chiropractors!

All Is Vanity Without Him

2008-11-12T20:30:00.003-05:00

One night I sat down and read the Book of Ecclesiastes in its entirety ~ it is only 12 chapters in length. The book was written by King Solomon (as was the Book of Proverbs). It has been said while Proverbs reveals Solomon’s wisdom, Ecclesiastes reveals his foolishness.

J. Vernon McGee states that "the key word is ‘vanity’ ~ which occurs 37 times ~ while the key phrase is ‘under the sun’ ~ which occurs 29 times." Another recurring phrase is ‘I said in my heart’ ~ which further reiterates that this ‘man under the sun’ (King Solomon) was sharing his conclusions to living his life away from God. All is vanity indeed. When I finished reading the book I was not uplifted or encouraged as I usually feel when reading The Word. On the contrary, the book was a bit of a downer. God’s Word is inspired ~ it has been accurately recorded ~ but King Solomon living away from God and trying to find love and happiness in all the wrong places was not of God. Yet as with everything in life ~ God can turn anything bad to good that He might be glorified. And the Book of Ecclesiastes is no exception.

King Solomon is on a quest for happiness outside of God’s will and he finds that it simply isn’t possible. Not pleasure and materialism, nor the laws of nature, nor wisdom and philosophy, nor living for the ‘now’ will bring satisfaction and happiness. All is vanity. And that in itself is great encouragement for the Christian ~ to stay close to the Lord ~ for living away from Him will be vanity. The Book of Ecclesiastes is a living testament of that very truth. I don’t know how folk live without Christ. King Solomon’s description was depressing with no hope. So hang in there Christians. These are troubling times. But you can’t go wrong with the Lord. You can’t go wrong with staying in His Word. You can’t go wrong with crying out to Him in prayer. For there is no friend like Jesus - no not one!

Without Him I could do nothing.
Without Him I'd surely fail.
Without Him I would be drifting ~
Like a ship without a sail.
Without Him I would be dying.
Without Him I'd be enslaved.
Without Him life would be worthless ~
But with Jesus, thank God, I'm saved.
(Written by Mylon R. Lefevre)

They sure sound like some lyrics King Solomon could have sung.

Continuing My Thankful List

2008-11-12T17:14:00.007-05:00

As I was out today I began to look around ~ really noticing some things ~ letting my mind wander to what it means to me. And so I continue my Thankful list.

13. The swirling of the leaves as they fall from the tree.

14. Chocolate

15. Air conditioning - especially on those hot and humid days

16. Revival meetings
17. Christmas music

18. The old time hymns

19. Being able to have babies

20. The color purple

21. The calm blue sky

22. Being able to live where all four of the seasons are distinct

23. Sewing pretty dresses for the girls at Easter

24. The cooing of a little baby

My "Thankful" List

2008-11-11T23:54:00.003-05:00

Tonight a friend sent me a message that led me to one blog, which led me to another, and then another ~ you know how that is. Anyway, the gist of it all was about showing gratitude to God ~ finding Him in ALL things. The idea is to simply keep a Thanksgiving Journal ~ not just at this time of year but all year long. As I hopped from blog to blog I was finding those who were actually keeping their list online for others to read.

So I decided to follow suit and take the time to truly count my blessings ~ listing them as God lays them on my heart and brings them to my attention. And in so doing, I believe I will be a more thankful person ~ a person more enthusiastic in the harder times of life ~ and hopefully be an encouragement to others that they might count their blessings as well. So here goes....

I am thankful for ~

1. My salvation

2. God's Word

3. Three wonderful daughters that love the Lord

4. A warm bed to sleep in each night

5. Hot cocoa on a cold day

6. My calico cats Callie, Fluffy, and Camie.

7. America

8. Fresh green beans from the garden

9. My mother who led me to the Lord

10. My sister Jo Carol who makes me feel special

11. A beautiful sunrise

12. A rainbow of colors at sunset

I think I will stop there and start again tomorrow. Why don't you try this along with me ~ simply counting your blessings. As the old hymn says "Count your many blessings name them one by one and it might surprise you what the Lord hath done." Amen to that.

An Awesome Year In God's Word

2008-11-10T23:22:00.004-05:00

It isn’t always easy to self-administer the Biblical medicine that you have been giving others. I received some tough news yesterday and I know that despite all ~ come what may ~ God is still on His throne. He still cares about me deeply. Sweet Deborah wrote me and encouraged me to go back and read my own posts. I had to smile. I have read and re-read those verses ~ pondered the very thoughts I shared that God burdened my heart with. And she’s right ~ I simply have to keep claiming them.

Today there was a special Thanksgiving gathering for the home school moms and we each told three things that we were thankful for. One thing I shared was my love for the Bible. To my shame, I told the ladies that in the past 38 years of my second birth (my salvation), I had only submerged myself in the Word for the past year. Notice I said "to my shame." I have read a random chapter here and there, read entire devotional books, and I have even read different books of the Bible multiple times ~ but until one year ago I had never submerged myself ~ truly submerged myself ~ in God’s love letter to His people. I regret the lost years but anxiously look forward to future years like this one.

You often hear folk say "I don’t know how they can live without Jesus." Amen to that ~ but there’s more ~ "I don’t know how they live without God’s Word." It is truly a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path ~ each and every day of my life. That’s why I am constantly encouraging folk to stay in the Word. I speak from years of experience ~ learn from my mistake ~ study God's Word ~ truly study it ~ it will come alive and you will simply fall in love with it. I know I have.

Sitting On The Park Bench

2008-11-10T16:58:00.003-05:00

Isn't this just beautiful. Oh to sit on this bench right about now. Tranquil. Peaceful. I would like to be there. I've received some difficult news. I would appreciate any prayers you are willing to call out to our Lord.

Christian ~ You Are the Conquerer Not The Conquered

2008-11-10T00:08:00.004-05:00

I have been walking through the book of Romans. And I’ve been particularly fascinated with all that is within Chapter 8. Actually the entire book seems to be jam-packed with so much ~ it is a bit overwhelming ~ but it is a "good" overwhelming.

With all the uncertainty in this world, what a comfort it is to read verses 35-39 of this chapter. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? It seems everything imaginable is mentioned here. As Christians, we will go through persecution. We will experience distress and tribulation in our lives. We may lose all our material possessions or have to go to war. As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Christians are being "slaughtered" in different parts of the world today ~ simply because they are Christians. But the good news is found in the verses to follow (vs. 37-39) ~ nothing will separate us from the love of Christ. Words that are music to my ears ~ Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Paul wrote NAY ~ NO ~ ABSOLUTELY NOT - we will conquer and not be conquered. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nothing at all will separate - not death or life; not the present or the future; not demons (principalities and powers) ~ NOTHING will separate us. Now that is cause for rejoicing. That is cause for shouting hallelujah.

Are you reading the Word everyday? Are you sharing the Good News? He’s coming back ~ the times we are now living in show that. And don’t forget - if you are a child of the King - you are a conqueror ~ not the conquered. You’re on the victory side. As my pastor reminded us yesterday ~ "This is not your home. Heaven is your home. You are just a pilgrim passing through ~ and you are in a battle of a war that has already been won." And so as we sojourn through this land, we must fight the good fight and keep the faith until we see Jesus. Keep looking up ~ He is coming back. Thank God He is going to come back for us!

I Must Tell Jesus

2008-11-09T19:19:00.003-05:00

Jesus wasn’t called The Counselor for nothing ~ He is the greatest guidance counselor of all time. In I Peter 5:7 it says Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you. It is great to have friends to lean on and confide in but when the rubber meets the road Jesus has to be our all-in-all as we travel this pathway called life. Only He can see us through. The old hymn I Must Tell Jesus is on my mind tonight. "I must tell Jesus all of my trials, I cannot bear these burdens alone. In my distress He kindly will help me. He ever loves and cares for His own. I must tell Jesus. I must tell Jesus. I cannot bear my burdens alone. I must tell Jesus. I must tell Jesus. Jesus can help me ~ Jesus alone!" And time and time again it proves that truth - only Jesus can help us in this ole life.

I close with a tribute to a gal I’ve met on this blogging journey ~ Deborah. I am always comforted when I go to her site Songs From My Journey and hear her song Stepping Stones. Thank you Deborah for that encouragement~ to turn those stumbling blocks in life to stepping stones.

Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you
I Peter 5:7

God's Will Was Done

2008-11-08T21:55:00.006-05:00

As I started out early this morning knowing full-and-well that I would encounter some folk who were pretty happy about the election results this past Tuesday, I noticed I was giving myself a pep talk. You see I didn’t want to seem upset or unhappy should I be drawn into a "post-election-conversation" ~ but, rather, I wanted to show a peace and resolve.

As with everything else in life, if we take our eyes off the Savior and put them on the circumstances we will invariably find ourselves sinking as Peter was that day on the Sea of Galilee when he saw Christ walking on the water. Matthew 14: 25-31 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

This situation this morning was no different. I had to take my eyes off of those who might chastise me for my stand and look to the Lord for the answers. And there they were as He began to remind me of what His Word says ~ that He puts Kings and rulers into place; that He uses even bad situations and folk who don’t follow and obey His truths to bring glory unto Himself ~ that He is the victor ~ that He is with me all the way ~ that folk need to know the Lord ~ that I am called to tell them. And so as quickly as the doubts and fears came ~ they left. You know folk ~ no matter what ~ come what may ~ the Christians will always be the winners.

So I can’t help but break out into song "Isn’t It Wonderful To Be A Christian."

Isn’t it wonderful to be a Christian?
Isn’t it wonderful to know God’s Son?
Isn’t it wonderful to have my sins forgiven?
Isn’t it wonderful to be redeemed, justified, forever reconciled?

Contend For Your Faith!

2008-11-07T12:41:00.007-05:00

In the 1980's a poll was given to 700 preachers with the following results:

48% Denied the inspiration of the Bible
24% Rejected the atonement
12% Rejected the resurrection of Christ
27% Rejected that Christ will return to judge the quick and the dead

One minister was quoted as saying "We liberal clergymen are no longer interested in the fundamentalist-modernist controversy. We do not believe we should even waste our time engaging in it. So far as we are concerned, it makes no difference whether Christ was born of a virgin or not." Another preacher said, "In our denomination what you call the Faith of our Fathers is approaching total extinction. Of course a few of the older ministers still cling to the Bible. But among the younger men, the real leaders of our denomination today, I do not know of a single one who believes in Christ." Heaven help them! And these results are nearly 30 years old. It makes me wonder what the percentages would be today.

All of this points toward the theme of the Book of Jude ~ the "impending apostasy" ~ a departure from the faith. J. Vernon McGee says "Apostasy was just a little cloud the size of a man’s hand in Jude’s day. But now it is a storm of hurricane force that fills the land." The statistics above certainly amen that thought.

The Spirit of God inspired Jude to write on this apostasy and to encourage the Christians to contend for the faith (i.e. defend the great doctrines of Christianity) ~ Jude 3 says Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

At this point Jude gives his reasons why we as Christians must contend for the faith. He is sounding the alarm about apostasy. Verse 4 says there are certain men crept in unawares..... Just yesterday I received word that a guest speaker at a fundamental Bible college made contradiction in reference to the inspired Word of God truly being inspired. Unfortunately this is not the first time I have heard of such. I can think of two other Bible colleges that have fallen way from the truth ~ disputing the authenticity of the Bible, proposing that Jesus was "just a man" and denying the deity of Christ (2 Peter 2:1).

Apostasy was nothing new even to Jude. He cites six different examples ~ from fallen angels now chained in darkness, to the fornicators and homosexuals in Sodom and Gomorrah, to the apostate teachers which creep in without our knowing

Apostasy took place in Bible times and it is taking place today. Jude finishes out the chapter describing what to look for in apostates so we can expose them. Verses 17-19 tells that in the end times they will walk after their own ungodly lusts (their desires are totally apart from God and from God’s will); they will separate themselves (causing divisions in the church) and the list goes on. To see the falling away of God’s people, to see His own allow wolves into the church to lead them in the way of untruth ~ It is sobering isn’t it ~ but it is occurring in rampant proportions.

This is why it is so very important to stay in God’s Word. Study it, meditate on it, memorize it, live it. Know what you believe and why you believe. Be ready to give an account - to take that stand for Christ. CONTEND FOR YOUR FAITH!!! Some day He is coming back ~ He is going to take His own home ~ and when He does apostasy will be unleashed for there will be no Holy Spirit present. What a dark and evil time that will be. Is that not enough to cause us to cry out to the lost ~ begging them to come to Him?

I Did It Again

2008-11-07T00:30:00.001-05:00

I'm like a kid in a candy store - I just can't stop myself from changing my blog background on a regular occasion. It's like scrapbooking but faster and without all the mess.

The Alpha and the Omega

2008-11-06T19:19:00.001-05:00

God is on the throne in the best of times and in the worst of times. He is the Alpha and the Omega ~ the beginning and the end. In times of greatest need He does his greatest work. Be encouraged ~ God is in control!

Lace Up Your Boot Straps And Dig In

2008-11-05T12:41:00.005-05:00

Oh souls are you weary for the cause of Christ? It is hard isn’t it. Last night I went back to a time in the Bible when the Children of Israel wanted a king rather than a judge to lead them. It wasn’t God’s way but He allowed it. Over the years it was mayhem as God waited for His wayward children to return to Him. So many years passed; so many acts of sin occurred; it was truly a sad and dark time for God’s people.

And so we must stand fast. Weary days are ahead but we must not faint. There are still so many lost and dying souls going to a devil’s hell. You are the only Christian that someone knows. Make a decision to make a difference for the cause of Christ.

Do you know who wins this war? Do you know the final chapter of this story we are living in? Do you know who the victor is? If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior you will win the war, you do know how it all ends, God is the victor and you, my friend, are the biggest winner of all ~ ETERNITY with our Savior. So lace up your boot straps and dig in ~ God WILL give you the strength you need to fight. You just have to ask.